Brief

Diana Walsh Pasulka

The claims the writer was given for Diana Walsh Pasulka, in the order they were given.

Claims 391

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1
The door of the church of Santa Sabina in Rome includes carved images of levitation, including a depiction of the ascension of Christ across two panels followed by a third panel showing Christ ascended.
“I also saw images of levitation... The ascension of Christ is depicted in two panels, and then a third shows Christ ascended.”
American Cosmic 2019 3-7 observation first hand
2
Tyler D. asked D. W. Pasulka via text message whether he should reveal his identity to Vatican Secret Archives security, and after nearly two hours of his translator negotiating with security, Pasulka agreed he could do so.
“Tyler texted, “Should I tell them who I am?” ... At that point, after almost two hours of Tyler’s translator haggling with security, I thought it couldn’t hurt, so I said, “Okay, go ahead.””
American Cosmic 2019 42 testimony first hand
3
Tyler D. invited James Master to his home laboratories, and the two began an email correspondence that developed into a working relationship.
“Tyler invited James to his home laboratories... they started an email correspondence that led to a working relationship, just as I had anticipated.”
American Cosmic 2019 53 administrative first hand
4
The day after visiting the hospital, D. W. Pasulka and Tyler D. took a golf cart tour of Rome, Italy, during which they were pulled over by police for approximately twenty minutes before reaching the church of Santa Sabina.
“We took a tour of Rome on a golf cart... At one point, we were pulled over by the police. The guide and the police haggled for twenty minutes. We waited patiently and were finally brought to the beautiful church of Santa Sabina”
American Cosmic 2019 60 observation first hand
5
D. W. Pasulka organised a small closed conference, to which Tyler D. was not invited, that brought together ufologists and scientists with scholars of the humanities who studied the UFO phenomenon.
“A few months prior to our trip, I had organized a small conference, to which Tyler had not been invited, on the phenomenon. The small, closed meeting was unique because it brought together ufologists and scientists with scholars of the humanities, all of whom studied the phenomenon.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:12136-12408 administrative first hand
6
D. W. Pasulka defines a hierophany as a manifestation of the sacred, occurring when a nonhuman intelligent being descends from the sky to the ground or otherwise reveals itself.
“A hierophany is a manifestation of the sacred. It occurs when a nonhuman intelligent being descends from the sky to the ground or otherwise reveals itself.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:1239-1387 opinion first hand
7
D. W. Pasulka observed that the code of conduct for scientist-ufologists who study the UFO phenomenon in an official capacity differs from academic codes of conduct, requiring them to keep their sources secret after being vetted and taking oaths.
“Scientist-ufologists are vetted extensively before their employment in the field and, once hired, take oaths to keep their sources secret.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:13226-13357 observation first hand
8
D. W. Pasulka received a phone call from Tyler D. the day after her conference, inviting her to a special place in New Mexico to learn about the physical nature of the UFO phenomenon.
“On the day after I got back from the conference, I received a phone call from Tyler. Now that I had begun to understand a little more about the phenomenon, he would like to take me to a special place in New Mexico where I might understand a little more about the phenomenon’s physical nature.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:15950-16235 administrative first hand
9
Tyler D. initially told D. W. Pasulka she could not bring James Master to the New Mexico site because he needed to obtain special permission and it was out of the question to bring another person.
“Tyler said no. He explained that he needed to obtain special permission to take me, and that it was out of the question to take another person.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:16479-16615 observation second hand
10
Tyler D. later agreed to allow James Master to accompany D. W. Pasulka on the trip to the New Mexico site.
“After a few days, I received a note from Tyler. He had warmed to the idea of having James on the adventure.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:17062-17159 administrative first hand
11
D. W. Pasulka began her research into the UFO phenomenon in January 2012.
“When I started my research in January 2012, I thought that the people I would interview and learn about would be experiencers”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:17790-17903 administrative first hand
12
D. W. Pasulka coined the term "meta-experiencer" to describe scientists who scooped data from primary UFO experiencers while being reticent to admit they believed in the reality of UFOs.
“I coined the term “meta-experiencers” to describe this group of scientists. I cautiously observed them, noting that most were reticent to admit they believed in the reality of UFOs, but they readily scooped data from the primary experiencers.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:18355-18584 observation first hand
13
Tyler D. was an employee in the space industry.
“Tyler was one such person, an employee in the space industry.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:18598-18650 administrative first hand
14
Tyler D. was very wealthy and reportedly travelled in a private jet.
“For one thing, he was very wealthy. I’d heard that he traveled in a private jet.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:18754-18830 hearsay second hand
15
USA, New Mexico, Roswell hosts an annual four-day UFO festival.
“the town hosts an annual four-day UFO festival”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:1882-1920 observation first hand
16
Tyler D. drove an expensive sports car.
“He drove an expensive sports car.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:18835-18864 observation first hand
17
Tyler D. was rumoured to be a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter who had competed in several publicised fights.
“He was rumored to be an MMA, or mixed martial arts, fighter, and to have competed in several publicized fights.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:18869-18973 hearsay second hand
18
There were rumours that Tyler D. had worked for several government agencies.
“There were other rumors that he had worked for several government agencies.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:19079-19145 hearsay second hand
19
D. W. Pasulka avoided Tyler D. because of rumours about his government affiliations, based on her knowledge from previous scholars' work that governments have an interest in the topic of UFO events.
“I avoided him because of these rumors. I knew from previous scholars’ work that when one scratched the surface of the topic of UFO events, eventually one would find that governments were also interested in the topic, and one might cross paths with agents.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:19155-19403 opinion first hand
20
Tyler D. told D. W. Pasulka and James Master they needed to wear blindfolds for the last part of the car ride to the site in New Mexico.
““You need to wear the blindfold.””
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:192-213 observation first hand
21
D. W. Pasulka's first personal communication from Tyler D. outside a group email thread was a long text message describing how he came to study the UFO phenomenon.
“My first communication from Tyler that was not part of an email thread directed to several recipients was a text message. It was the longest text message I had ever received, full of information about how he came to study the phenomenon.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:19700-19926 observation first hand
22
Tyler D. sent videos to D. W. Pasulka of where he worked in USA, New Mexico.
“He sent videos of where he worked in New Me”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:19938-19975 observation first hand
23
Tyler D. sent D. W. Pasulka videos of his conversations with friends who were unaware they were being filmed.
“He also sent videos of his conversations with friends. These were very odd. His friends never looked at the camera, and they spoke as if they were unaware that they were being filmed.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:20014-20190 observation first hand
24
Tyler D. was outfitted with various types of cameras hidden in his clothes and strategically placed on his body, recording everything.
“Tyler was outfitted with various types of cameras hidden in his clothes, disguised, and strategically placed on his body, and was recording everything.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:20251-20391 observation first hand
25
Since the age of eighteen, Tyler D. worked for the US space program, first as an intern and then as an engineer for the space shuttle program.
“since the age of eighteen he had worked for the US space program, first as an intern and then as an engineer for the space shuttle program”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:20615-20746 administrative second hand
26
According to Catholic belief, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to a young girl named Bernadette in France, Occitanie, Lourdes in 1858, and a spring of water miraculously flowed from the ground.
“In 1858, according to Catholics, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to a young girl, Bernadette, and a spring of water miraculously flowed from the ground.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:2067-2213 hearsay
27
Tyler D. worked on almost every space shuttle that was ever launched.
“He worked on almost every space shuttle that was ever launched”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:20755-20809 administrative second hand
28
Tyler D. sent D. W. Pasulka videos of his casual conversations with several astronauts.
“He sent me videos of his conversations with several astronauts, just casual conversations.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:21062-21138 observation first hand
29
Tyler D.'s circle of colleagues consisted of generals, scientists, and astronauts.
“Tyler’s circle of colleagues consisted of generals, scientists, and astronauts.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:21352-21420 administrative first hand
30
Tyler D. was both an aeronautical engineer and a biomedical entrepreneur.
“he was an aeronautical engineer, and on the other hand, he was a biomedical entrepreneur”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:21625-21701 administrative first hand
31
Tyler D. was a wealthy rocket scientist.
“He was a wealthy rocket scientist.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:21715-21739 administrative first hand
32
Tyler D. said a mentor in the space program told him the next discovery in his field would come from religious studies, D. W. Pasulka's field.
“"I have mentors in the space program. One of them, who is now retired, explained that the next discovery in my field is going to come from your field."”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:22764-22907 hearsay second hand
33
Astronaut Judith Resnik was one of Tyler D.'s mentors and friends.
“the death of one of his mentors and friends, the brilliant astronaut Judith Resnik”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:23209-23285 administrative first hand
34
Judith Resnik was killed when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded in 1986.
“who was killed when the space shuttle Challenger exploded in 1986”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:23293-23356 administrative
35
Tyler D. recalled the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster and its effect on him in a video he sent to D. W. Pasulka while he was on business in Cape Canaveral.
“He recalled this disaster and its effect on him in a video he sent to me while he was on business in Cape Canaveral.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:23362-23468 administrative first hand
36
Tyler D. was filmed standing on concrete slabs at the Air Force base to pay his respects to the Space Shuttle Challenger's crew and to Judith Resnik.
“In the video, he was standing on concrete slabs at the Air Force base. He was there to pay his respects to the Challenger’s crew, and to his friend Judy.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:23479-23629 observation first hand
37
Tyler D. did not have a PhD, which was required to run the proposed Space Shuttle Columbia experiment.
“Tyler did not have a PhD, which was required to run the experiment.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:28321-28377 administrative second hand
38
The general reluctantly agreed to Tyler D.'s proposed Space Shuttle Columbia experiment, and it worked.
“The general reluctantly agreed to the experiment, and to everyone’s surprise, it worked.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:28870-28951 administrative first hand
39
James Master is one of the world's leading scientists and a professor at a major research university.
“My research partner was James Master, one of the world’s leading scientists and a professor at a major research university.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:2896-3008 administrative first hand
40
Tyler D. sold his first biomedical company to a public corporation for an undisclosed amount of money.
“he wrote patent after patent, and sold his first biomedical company to a public corporation for an undisclosed amount of money”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:30340-30461 administrative first hand
41
James Master believed that if artifacts from the New Mexico site could be found, he could show that a nonhuman aerial craft had truly landed there.
“If artifacts could be found, he believed he could show this had truly happened.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:3111-3181 opinion second hand
42
Tyler D. believed the New Mexico site was one of the most significant locations in the history of humanity.
“Tyler believed that this was one of the most significant locations in the history of humanity, and he explained that only a handful of people had been there.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:3227-3378 opinion second hand
43
One of Tyler D.'s biomedical technologies is a material etched at the molecular level with information that human bone reads as itself, incorporated into diseased tissue and bone to help recuperation from cancer and other illnesses.
“a material that has been etched at the molecular level with information. The etching codes the material with information that human bone "reads" as itself. It is then incorporated into diseased human tissue and bone, which helps the body recuperate from cancer and other illnesses.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:32742-33013 administrative second hand
44
Jane, a young mother of twins, had bone cancer and was told she would never walk again, but recovered after treatment with Tyler D.'s technology.
“Jane is a radiant young mother of twins. She had bone cancer and was told that she would never walk again... noting that she had believed she would never walk again, let alone care for her young boys, and now she was doing both.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:33112-33383 testimony third hand
45
Only a handful of people had visited the New Mexico site that Tyler D. took D. W. Pasulka and James Master to.
“he explained that only a handful of people had been there”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:3326-3378 hearsay second hand
46
Konstantin Tsiolkovsky is regarded as the founding father of rocketry and aeronautics.
“Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, regarded as the founding father of rocketry and aeronautics”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:34241-34313 administrative
47
Konstantin Tsiolkovsky discovered the equations that later helped scientists develop rockets to take humans off Earth and into space.
“Tsiolkovsky perhaps regarded himself as one of these geniuses, as he discovered the equations that would later help scientists develop rockets to take humans off Earth and into space.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:34849-35026 administrative
48
Jack Parsons collaborated with Aleister Crowley and L. Ron Hubbard while both launching rockets and engaging in provocative rituals in the Los Angeles desert.
“Jack Parsons was uniquely American in that he collaborated with Aleister Crowley and L. Ron Hubbard and spent time both launching rockets and engaging in provocative rituals in the Los Angeles desert.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:35097-35290 administrative
49
Jack Parsons launched his experiments on days that were ritually significant to him, such as Halloween, with prelaunch rituals honouring the intelligences he believed himself to be in contact with.
“He launched his experiments on days that were ritually significant to him, such as Halloween, and his prelaunch rituals paid homage to the intelligences with whom he believed himself to be in contact.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:35375-35567 administrative
50
Jack Parsons died at age thirty-seven when one of his rockets exploded while he was experimenting in his garage.
“He was thirty-seven when one of his rockets exploded as he was experimenting in his garage, and he perished with it.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:35603-35716 administrative
51
A few months after Jack Parsons's death, there was a public sighting of UFOs over the White House, which Parsons's widow and friends attributed to his death.
“A few months after his death, there was a very public sighting of UFOs over the White House. Parsons’s widow and friends attributed this sighting to his death.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:35720-35873 hearsay second hand
52
Most of the astronauts and NASA employees D. W. Pasulka interviewed didn't know about the history of Jack Parsons and Konstantin Tsiolkovsky's beliefs, or if they did, they didn't want to talk about it.
“most of the astronauts and NASA employees I interviewed didn’t know about this history, or if they did, they didn’t want to talk about it. The mere mention of it embarrassed them.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:35947-36121 observation first hand
53
Tyler D. expressed admiration for the genius of Jack Parsons and Konstantin Tsiolkovsky but was shocked and surprised when told of their beliefs and rituals.
“he expressed admiration for their genius but was genuinely shocked and surprised when I described what they believed and their rituals”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:36195-36322 observation first hand
54
D. W. Pasulka arranged to meet Tyler D. in person at the annual conference of the American Academy of Religion in Atlanta.
“We arranged to meet in Atlanta at the annual conference for my discipline, the American Academy of Religion.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:38988-39087 administrative first hand
55
D. W. Pasulka convinced Jeffrey Kripal to accompany her to meet Tyler D. in Atlanta.
“I convinced one of my colleagues, Jeff Kripal, to accompany me to the meeting.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:39356-39426 administrative first hand
56
An experiencer who knew Tyler D. told D. W. Pasulka that Tyler D. was probably an angel, meaning part human and part extraterrestrial.
“I also knew an experiencer who knew Tyler... he told me that Tyler was probably an angel, which to him meant that he was a person who is part human and part extraterrestrial”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:39675-39904 hearsay second hand
57
Tyler D. photographed D. W. Pasulka and James Master while they were wearing blindfolds during the car ride to the New Mexico site.
“Later I learned (because he showed me the pictures) that Tyler had photographed me and James in our blindfolds.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:4078-4178 observation first hand
58
Tyler D. drove D. W. Pasulka and James Master for forty minutes over a gravel road to reach the New Mexico site.
“He started the car, and we jolted forward... We drove for forty minutes”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:4190-4224 observation first hand
59
Tyler D. explained he has a specific protocol for connecting with off-planet intelligence.
“At lunch Tyler explained that he had a specific protocol for connecting with off-planet intelligence.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:42093-42181 testimony second hand
60
D. W. Pasulka, James Master, and Tyler D. wore blindfolds for the last forty minutes of a car ride to a site in New Mexico.
“We were to wear a blindfold for the last forty minutes of the car ride, so we wouldn’t be able to see where we were or how we arrived.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:452-578 observation first hand
61
Kary Mullis had an anomalous experience he referred to as a UFO encounter, though he was careful not to conclude that was what it was.
“He also had an anomalous experience that he referred to as a UFO encounter, although he was very careful not to "conclude" that was what it was.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:46285-46425 testimony second hand
62
D. W. Pasulka considers that Heather Berlin's research might suggest creativity does not originate from an external source, even though some creative subjects like Tyler D. experience it that way.
“Significantly, Berlin's research might suggest that creativity does not originate from an external source, although some creative subjects like Tyler experience it that way.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:50489-50658 opinion first hand
63
Tyler D. told James Master and D. W. Pasulka to wear sturdy leather boots to protect their legs from rattlesnakes at the New Mexico site.
“Tyler had told James and me to wear sturdy leather boots to protect our legs from rattlesnakes.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:5160-5242 observation first hand
64
D. W. Pasulka owned a pink iPhone.
“Jeff and I looked down at my pink iPhone.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:51786-51820 observation first hand
65
After D. W. Pasulka texted Tyler D. some weeks after their first in-person meeting, Tyler D. sent back a picture of a snifter of brandy and a partially smoked cigar.
“A few weeks after our first in-person meeting, I reached out to Tyler. I sent him a text and asked him how he was doing. He responded back with a picture. It was a picture of a snifter of brandy and a partially smoked cigar.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:51938-52156 observation first hand
66
Tyler D. had sold a company and the proceeds significantly increased his savings.
“He had sold a company and the money from the shares increased his savings account significantly.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:52215-52297 testimony second hand
67
D. W. Pasulka, Tyler D., and James Master found a small metallic object identified as an artifact by a metal detector during their search in the desert.
“He was examining a small, metallic object. It had been identified as an artifact by the metal detector.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:52702-52796 observation first hand
68
Tyler D. photographed the found specimen and the location where it was found, labelled it with the date, and placed it in a specimen bag.
“Tyler took out a plastic bag and a label. He photographed the specimen and labeled it with the date, and he also photographed where it was found. Then he put it in a special bag he carried for the occasion.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:52864-53061 observation first hand
69
James Master found the metallic artifact lodged in a crevice between rocks in a gully.
“James found this particular part lodged in a crevice between a bunch of rocks in a gully that certainly looked to me like a nesting place for rattlesnakes.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:53224-53366 observation first hand
70
James Master agreed to take all the found artifacts with him so he could study them.
“James agreed to take all the parts with him so he could study them.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:54667-54729 administrative first hand
71
Jacques Vallee's approach to the UFO phenomenon addresses three aspects: the physical aspect, the testimonial aspect represented by experiencers, and the social aspect of how belief in the phenomenon persists regardless of verifiable evidence.
“We were all well acquainted with the theories of Jacques Vallee, the famous researcher, astronomer, and computer scientist. Vallee's approach addressed three aspects: the physical aspect, which Tyler represented; the testimonial aspect, represented by experiencers; and the social aspect, how belief in the phenomenon persists regardless of whether there is any verifiable evidence to support it.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:55341-55734 opinion second hand
72
Jacques Vallee is described as a researcher, astronomer, and computer scientist.
“the theories of Jacques Vallee, the famous researcher, astronomer, and computer scientist”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:55374-55454 administrative first hand
73
At the airport, Tyler D. passed through security, first class, and economy class areas without being stopped, while James Master and D. W. Pasulka went through standard security lines.
“We arrived at the airport, and Tyler sailed right past security, past first class, past economy class, and out the other side. He seemed to be literally beyond the law, whereas James and I were not.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:55823-56017 observation first hand
74
James Master's carry-on bag, containing the metallic artifacts, caused an X-ray scanner at airport security to shut down while passing through it.
“As the bag moved slowly down the conveyor belt and through the X-ray scanner, the whole thing suddenly stopped. The contraption shut down with a loud BEEEP.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:56264-56414 observation first hand
75
Security searched James Master, his suitcase, his jacket, and everything he was carrying after his bag was rerun through the airport X-ray scanner.
“The bag re-scan went without further incident. Security searched James, his suitcase, his jacket, and everything that he was carrying.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:56818-56943 observation first hand
76
According to Tyler D., when a craft crash occurred in New Mexico in 1947, the government took the craft, hid it in a secret place, and disguised the area with tin cans and debris to prevent others from finding remaining artifacts.
“He said that, when the crash occurred in 1947, the government had taken the craft, hidden it away in a secret place, and disguised the area with tin cans and debris to prevent others from finding any remaining artifacts.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:5869-6079 hearsay second hand
77
D. W. Pasulka observed that the New Mexico site was covered with rusty tin cans, many of which had disintegrated into a powdery rubble resembling compost.
“In fact, looking around, the area was covered over with tons of tin cans. The cans were rusty and most of them had disintegrated into a powdery rubble that resembled compost.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:6090-6256 observation first hand
78
Tyler D. configured metal detectors that he said had been specially configured to identify the crash-site artifacts in New Mexico.
“He further explained that our metal detectors were special and had been configured to identify the artifacts.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:6265-6364 hearsay second hand
79
The site D. W. Pasulka, James Master, and Tyler D. visited in USA, New Mexico was not Area 51.
“It was *not* Area 51, I was told.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:669-697 observation second hand
80
The site visited by D. W. Pasulka, James Master, and Tyler D. was located in USA, New Mexico under a no-fly zone.
“But it *was* a place in New Mexico under a no-fly zone”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:703-753 observation second hand
81
Tyler D. believed the New Mexico site was a location where one could find artifacts of an extraterrestrial aerial craft that had crashed in 1947.
“it was supposedly a location where one could find artifacts of an extraterrestrial aerial craft that had crashed in 1947”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:763-879 opinion second hand
82
D. W. Pasulka is a professor of religious studies.
“As a professor of religious studies, this was outside my usual research territory, but not by much.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch1:885-979 administrative first hand
83
James reached out to several public ufologists, one of whom claimed to have access to an artifact that some claimed was not of this earth or not understood in accepted science.
“James, a top researcher in the hard sciences but not in UFO phenomena, reached out to several public ufologists, one of whom claimed to have access to an artifact that some claimed was supposedly not of this earth—or at the least not understood in accepted science.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:11310-11567 testimony first hand
84
James and certain members of his extended family are lifelong experiencers who interact with the phenomenon on a personal and professional basis.
“He and certain members of his extended family were lifelong experiencers. He interacted with the phenomenon on a personal and professional basis.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:1697-1836 administrative first hand
85
James's laboratory had built a massive molecular microscope that resembled a large hospital CAT scanner.
“It turned out to be a photo of a massive molecular microscope, something that none of us had ever seen before and probably would never see again. It was giant—like no microscope I had ever seen. It looked like a big, shiny, hospital CAT scanner. James's lab had built it.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:18426-18694 observation first hand
86
A UFO flap is a series of sightings of UFOs by several individuals or groups of individuals over a span of a few days.
“which were of individual sightings or of a flap—a series of sightings of UFOs by several individuals and even groups of individuals over a span of a few days.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:18986-19139 administrative first hand
87
Researchers use the term "anomalous" to indicate that a sighting has been ruled out as known aircraft, drones, blimps, or military exercises, and that it often left physical traces such as burn marks on objects, grass, or people.
“"Anomalous" was the word indicating that we had ruled out its being known aircraft or drones or blimps, that it was not attributable to military exercises, and that it often left physical traces such as burn marks on objects or grass—or people.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:19227-19463 administrative first hand
88
Contact with nonhuman intelligence manifests as anomalous experiences, telepathic communication with aerial objects and beings, or anomalous cognition, defined as knowledge of future events or other knowledge for which there is no conventional explanation.
“The literature shows that contact manifests as anomalous experiences, as telepathic communication with aerial objects and beings, or as anomalous cognition (knowledge of future events or other knowledge for which there is no conventional explanation).”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:21896-22134 observation
89
Contact with nonhuman intelligence also manifests as random sightings of aerial phenomena that sometimes interact with witnesses through beams of light.
“It also manifests as random sightings of aerial phenomena that sometimes interact with witnesses through such things as “beams of light.””
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:22148-22278 observation
90
D. W. Pasulka observed that James Master's mission to develop an antidote to malicious contact events appeared personal to him.
“It became clear to me, if not to the other attendees, that James’s mission was personal, and it was heroic. He was out to develop a medicine, an antidote, to the malicious contact event.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:24734-24914 observation first hand
91
D. W. Pasulka's cousin, who works in law enforcement, has abilities she believes conform to James Master's definition of anomalous cognition, which have helped him out of dangerous situations.
“A cousin in law enforcement has always possessed what I believe would conform to James’s definition of anomalous cognition. His abilities have helped him out of many dire situations where his life or the lives of others were in danger.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:27381-27609 testimony second hand
92
D. W. Pasulka's student Jose Herrera, a Marine who saw active duty, wrote in his book about an ability among Marines called "atmospherics" for sensing danger such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
“One of my students, José, a Marine and author who has seen active duty, wrote about it in his book about his experiences on the front line. “I always found it fascinating when seniors in the Marines would say, ‘Your point man, if he has a knack for finding IEDs or sensing things, keep him there,’ and we always did, even amongst one another. In training they called it atmospherics...””
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:27617-27987 testimony second hand
93
James is a person with an endowed chair of molecular biology who heads a laboratory at one of the top universities in the world.
“He held an endowed chair of molecular biology and headed a laboratory at one of the top universities in the world.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:2810-2918 administrative first hand
94
James Master told D. W. Pasulka that some interactions with the phenomenon would have been called demonic as recently as one hundred years ago.
““Diana, you know how you’ve studied the history of Catholicism? And they called some entities either angels or demons? Some of the interactions seem benign—and even helpful. Well, the behaviors of some of the things I am talking about would have been called demonic, as short as one hundred years ago.””
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:28619-28915 opinion first hand
95
Jack Parsons believed that nonhuman intelligences were sending humans symbolic messages that only some humans were able to perceive and translate into products.
“I thought of all the strange anecdotes I had read and heard about the founders of these programs, like Jack Parsons or Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, both of whom believed that nonhuman intelligences were sending humans symbolic messages, but that only some humans were able to perceive these and translate them into products.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:29212-29522 opinion second hand
96
James is a successful inventor with a global reputation for pushing the boundaries of science and biotechnology.
“He was a successful inventor. He had a global reputation for pushing the boundaries of science and biotechnology.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:2925-3024 administrative first hand
97
Konstantin Tsiolkovsky believed that nonhuman intelligences were sending humans symbolic messages that only some humans were able to perceive and translate into products.
“both of whom believed that nonhuman intelligences were sending humans symbolic messages, but that only some humans were able to perceive these and translate them into products”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:29355-29522 opinion second hand
98
Konstantin Tsiolkovsky suggested that creative geniuses, scientists, and poets were able to receive communications from nonhuman intelligences.
“Tsiolkovsky suggested that it was the creative geniuses, scientists, and poets who were able to receive the communications.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:29532-29640 opinion second hand
99
Qian Xuesen believed in an energetic force that imparted information, called Qi (Chi).
“also believed in an energetic force that imparted information, Qi (Chi).”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:29784-29851 opinion second hand
100
Tyler D. adopted his own set of physical training practices to tap into what he thought was a nonhuman intelligence.
“Tyler certainly adopted his own set of physical “training” practices to tap into what he thought was a nonhuman intelligence.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:30129-30241 observation second hand
101
D. W. Pasulka first met James in person at a summer conference in the foothills of Northern California.
“I first met him in person at our summer conference in the foothills of Northern California.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:3294-3374 observation first hand
102
Jacques Vallee suggests that the UFO might not be an object, but some kind of "window" into another dimension.
“Jacques, one of the first truly innovative thinkers on the subject, suggests that the UFO might not be an object, but some kind of “window” into another dimension.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:36536-36689 opinion second hand
103
James Master and Tyler D. both worked in the biotechnology sector and were both at the top of their fields.
“They both felt they knew the phenomenon was real, both worked in the biotechnology sector, and both were at the top of their fields.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:37003-37128 administrative first hand
104
James Master studied the biological hardware of human capabilities for anomalous cognition, whereas Tyler D. studied the material hardware of a supposed crashed alien spacecraft.
“James studied the biological hardware of human capabilities for anomalous cognition, whereas Tyler studied the material hardware—the supposed crashed alien spacecraft.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:37136-37292 administrative first hand
105
Tyler D. invited D. W. Pasulka to a site in New Mexico.
“One was Tyler’s invitation to the site in New Mexico.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:37476-37522 administrative first hand
106
James Master sent D. W. Pasulka photos of a charity gala in the Los Angeles hills showing him dancing with pop star Katy Perry.
“James had sent me a few pictures of a fancy charity gala in the Los Angeles hills, showing him dancing with the beautiful pop star Katy Perry.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:37530-37666 observation second hand
107
Tyler D., James Master, and D. W. Pasulka travelled together to a site in New Mexico.
“By the time we traveled to New Mexico, they were already close associates.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:38420-38483 administrative first hand
108
James Master told D. W. Pasulka and Tyler D. that the anomalous phenomenon they studied sometimes acts like a contagious agent, spreading from one affected individual to others who come into contact with them.
“James indicated that sometimes the phenomenon acts like a contagious agent. Once it attached to a given individual, it would sometimes spread to others who came into contact with that individual.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:40922-41106 opinion first hand
109
James Master used a metal detector to locate a buried object at the New Mexico site, which he had to dig for and reach far down into the rubble and weeds to retrieve.
“James’s metal detector had indicated something down between the rocks. He spent some time digging and even after all that effort had to reach far down into the rubble and weeds to retrieve the material.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:41830-42023 observation first hand
110
The material James Master retrieved from the New Mexico site looked like crumpled tin foil that was also a type of fabric, and was clumped with dirt and debris.
“The material looked like crumpled tin foil that was also a type of fabric. It was clumped with dirt and debris.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:42033-42137 observation first hand
111
James Master's preliminary analyses of the material recovered from the New Mexico site made it hard to believe the material was made on Earth.
“James’s preliminary analyses of the materials, months later, made it hard to believe they were made on Earth.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:42146-42249 testimony second hand
112
Tyler D. was convinced that an extraterrestrial craft had crash-landed at the New Mexico site in 1947.
“Tyler was already convinced that an extraterrestrial craft had crash-landed at the site in 1947”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:42591-42682 opinion second hand
113
D. W. Pasulka considers the sites in New Mexico associated with the alleged 1947 crash to function as sacred sites for a new religion of the UFO event and of technology.
“The sites in New Mexico function as sacred sites for a new religion, the religion of the UFO event and, as I will argue, the religion of technology.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:44165-44302 opinion first hand
114
D. W. Pasulka did not become interested in the topic of UFOs until 2012.
“I was never interested in the topic of UFOs until 2012, and so knew nothing about the conspiracies and theories surrounding Roswell, New Mexico”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:46518-46655 administrative first hand
115
D. W. Pasulka wrote the account of her visit to the New Mexico site during the annual Roswell UFO Festival, a four-day festival expected that year to attract over fifty thousand people.
“I am writing this during the annual Roswell UFO Festival, which is a four-day festival expected to attract over fifty thousand people this year.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:46952-47091 observation first hand
116
Annie Jacobsen's "Area 51: An Uncensored History of America's Top Secret Military Base" appears to D. W. Pasulka to be correct in claiming that top-secret military programmes have operated in and around the Area 51 region.
“Annie Jacobsen’s Area 51: An Uncensored History of America’s Top Secret Military Base strikes me as probably correct on one count, namely, that there are top-secret military programs going on in and around that area.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:48404-48617 opinion first hand
117
Annie Jacobsen is a journalist who does not affirm the reality of UFOs or of nonhuman intelligence.
“Jacobsen is a journalist and does not in any way affirm the reality of UFOs or of nonhuman intelligence.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:48885-48976 administrative first hand
118
Jacques Vallee proposed the idea that a UFO is not an object but a window through which one might view other worlds.
“I thought of Jacques Vallee’s idea of the UFO not being an object, but a window through which we might view other worlds.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:50660-50774 opinion second hand
119
Christopher Chabris is affiliated with Harvard University.
“Christopher Chabris of Harvard University”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:53917-53948 administrative
120
Daniel Simons is affiliated with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
“Daniel Simons from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:53963-54019 administrative
121
Christopher Chabris and Daniel Simons found that half of the subjects in their gorilla-suit experiment did not notice the gorilla pass through the scene.
“Chabris and Simons found that half of the subjects did not notice that an enormous gorilla had passed through the scene.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:54304-54418 measurement second hand
122
Jacques Vallee once told D. W. Pasulka emphatically to trust no one and not even to trust what she saw.
“Jacques Vallee once told me emphatically, “Trust no one. Do not even trust what you see.””
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:55618-55702 testimony first hand
123
Donna Haraway once asked D. W. Pasulka to think about what was happening in her brain and mind when looking at images on film, or in the minds of people who witnessed apparitions of the Virgin Mary.
“the well-known scholar Donna Haraway had asked me to think about what was happening in my brain and my mind when I looked at images on film, or in the minds of people who witnessed apparitions of the Virgin Mary.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:55728-55935 testimony second hand
124
James developed a fear of open windows in childhood that became a compulsion requiring him to close windows and cover them with curtains.
“Later I realized that James had developed a fear of open windows in childhood and it was now a compulsion. He needed to close the windows and cover them up with curtains.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch2:6050-6211 observation first hand
125
When Scott Browne was barely three years old he disappeared from the family home and was found many hours later in a nearby field after a search involving the police department and the whole town.
“When he was barely three years old, he somehow disappeared from the family home. His father, a police officer, was frantic when he and his wife couldn’t find their son. He immediately issued a missing persons report, and a massive search was mounted for the toddler, involving the police department and the whole town. Scott was found, many hours later, in a nearby field.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:10104-10470 testimony second hand
126
Scott Browne's father was a police officer.
“His father, a police officer, was frantic when he and his wife couldn’t find their son.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:10185-10268 administrative second hand
127
Scott Browne has been called a "debunker" and worse names, posted on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and internet forums.
“Scott Browne has been called a debunker—and far worse than that. In fact, the names he has been called are not fit to be printed. Yet they have been posted on Facebook, on Twitter, on YouTube, and in internet forums.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:1033-1242 observation first hand
128
When found as a toddler, Scott Browne told his mother he had been talking with the cows in the pasture, though they were actually horses.
“When his mother frantically scooped him up, he said that he had been talking with the cows that lived in the pasture. His mother, writing in her diary, said, “Scott gave everyone a scare at 5:30 this morning when he decided to take a walk on his own... he was so excited that he talked to the cows even though they were horses!””
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:10477-10797 testimony second hand
129
Scott Browne's younger brother recalled recurring childhood dreams in which he saw Scott on a table, hooked up to machines, surrounded by people with big heads examining him.
“Scott’s brother, who was two years younger, recalled experiencing recurring dreams about his older brother throughout his childhood. In these dreams, he would see Scott on a table, hooked up to machines, surrounded by people with big heads who were examining him.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:10965-11224 testimony second hand
130
Scott Browne is a graphic designer and professional videographer with the skills to determine whether objects in photographs and videos are anomalous, computer-generated imagery (CGI), or lens flares.
“He is a talented graphic designer and professional videographer, which means that he has the skills to determine whether the objects in photographs and videos are truly anomalous, computer-generated imagery (CGI), or lens flares.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:1398-1620 administrative first hand
131
Allison Kruse, a woman from Pennsylvania, joined In the Field after being called a liar and a hoaxer and having her computer targeted with viruses due to ufology-related harassment.
“One such refugee was a woman from Pennsylvania named Alison Kruse... She sought refuge from harassment: she had been called a liar and a hoaxer, and her computer was targeted with viruses.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:14239-14454 testimony first hand
132
In 2008, Allison Kruse's daughter told her she had seen a strange, glowing red plane hovering around their house in the early hours of the morning, and drew a picture of it that was saucer-shaped.
“Alison’s introduction to the phenomenon occurred in 2008, when her daughter told her that she had seen a strange, glowing red plane hovering around their house in the early hours of the morning. Alison asked her to draw a picture of the “plane” and saw that it was saucer shaped.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:14652-14924 testimony second hand
133
In November 2010, Allison Kruse filmed a starlike object over the forest near Murrysville, Pennsylvania, and the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed there were no aircraft in the sky at the time; the FAA's data disc of the event was titled "Murrysville UFO."
“In November 2010, she filmed a starlike object over the forest and then called the FAA, as usual. They confirmed that there were no aircraft in the sky when she recorded her object. She got a copy of the data disc that the FAA had put together of the event. It was titled “Murrysville UFO.””
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:17708-17993 testimony third hand
134
D. W. Pasulka notes that since the 1950s UFOs have become photogenic, as attested by the photographic work of Scott Browne and the members of his UFO study group.
“Since the 1950s, UFOs have become photogenic, a fact to which the work of Scott and the members of his group attest.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:22408-22517 observation first hand
135
Scott Browne has had anomalous experiences suggestive of UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) activity since he was a toddler.
“Significantly, he has had anomalous experiences suggestive of UFO activity from the time he was a toddler.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:2317-2415 observation first hand
136
Carl Jung wrote that the UFO was apparently impossible, not that it was actually impossible, and his point was to move study of the phenomenon into the realm of the psyche.
“Jung wrote that the UFO was *apparently* impossible. He didn’t say it *was* impossible. His point was not necessarily to dismiss its objective reality, but to move the study of it into the realm of the psyche, his field of expertise.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:24204-24427 opinion first hand
137
Scott Browne received threats via social media describing bodily and emotional harm directed at him by name.
““Talk to me face-to-face, and I will show you what I think of debunkers!” The threat, posted on social media, devolved from that point into a series of very specific descriptions of bodily and emotional harm. It was directed, by name, to Scott Browne.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:280-524 observation first hand
138
Edward Carlos resisted the term "abduction" so strongly that D. W. Pasulka felt the need to rewrite and publish his experiences from his own perspective.
“He resisted the term “abduction” so strongly that I felt the need to rewrite and publish his experiences from his perspective.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:30644-30758 observation first hand
139
Edward Carlos never called his experiences abductions or said they had to do with UFOs, but they became understood as UFO-related for a wide audience after the publication and success of John Mack's book.
“Carlos never called his experiences abductions or said they had to do with UFOs, but that is how they were understood after Mack’s book framed them that way.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:31483-31636 observation first hand
140
D. W. Pasulka noted that St. Teresa of Avila's written description of her transverberation differs radically from most artistic representations of it, including paintings and a famous sculpture by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, which do not depict the illuminated nature of the being or Teresa's confusion about whether the being was real.
“I had never paid attention to the fact that her description differs radically from most of the artistic representations of it. There are paintings and also a famous sculpture by Bernini. They depict Teresa near a little angel with a small dart. They do not depict the illuminated nature of the small being, nor do they show Teresa’s confusion about the being.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:33977-34330 observation first hand
141
St. Teresa of Avila turned to the Catholic angelology known by her confessors to make sense of her experience of the being, and her confessors' book encounter helped her understand her experience as religious, having to do with Catholicism and God.
“To think through this event and make sense of it, she turns to the books of her time, Catholic angelology, which was known by her confessors, the men in whom she confided. Her book encounter, facilitated by her confessors, helped her understand her experience as religious, having to do with Catholicism and God.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:34578-34886 observation first hand
142
Scott Browne is the creator and moderator of In the Field, an international study group of trained videographers, photographers, and graphic designers who study the UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) phenomenon.
“Scott is the creator and moderator of *In the Field,* an international study group of trained videographers, photographers, and graphic designers who also study the UFO phenomenon on a regular basis.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:3496-3689 administrative first hand
143
The In the Field study group is located on Facebook.
“The group is located on Facebook.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:3696-3720 administrative first hand
144
David Stinnett is, of all the researchers and scientists D. W. Pasulka met, the least likely to draw any conclusions whatsoever about the UFO phenomenon.
“David, of all the researchers and scientists I met, is the least likely to draw any conclusions whatsoever about the phenomenon.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:37571-37688 opinion first hand
145
David Stinnett's influence on Scott Browne helped the UFO study group In the Field maintain its rigorous standards.
“His influence on Scott helped *In the Field* maintain its rigorous standards.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:37700-37767 observation first hand
146
In D. W. Pasulka's research into Christian communities, many people interpret synchronicities, or meaningful coincidences, as signs from God or evidence that they are on the right path in life.
“In my research into Christian communities, I found that many people interpret synchronicities, or meaningful coincidences, as signs from God, or meaningful events that show them that they are on the “right path in life.””
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:40414-40628 observation first hand
147
Members of In the Field who are found to have hoaxed a photograph or video are removed from the group.
“If any of the members are found to have hoaxed a photograph or video, they are removed from the group.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:4068-4164 administrative first hand
148
D. W. Pasulka, after college, found the writing of Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophy to seem misogynist and would close his books in disgust after a few pages.
“After college I had tried to read the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche. His work had come highly recommended, but the passages I read always seemed misogynist. After a few pages of reading I would close the book in disgust.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:40909-41125 testimony first hand
149
On a New Year's Eve, D. W. Pasulka was awakened at midnight by fireworks and revellers and, unable to sleep, picked up The Gay Science from her nightstand and opened it at random.
“It was New Year’s Eve. That night, I went to bed early and fell asleep immediately. At midnight I was awakened by fireworks and the merry-making of New Year’s revelers. Amid the noise, I had no hope of returning to sleep, so I picked up the book on my nightstand. I opened it up randomly.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:41335-41614 testimony first hand
150
D. W. Pasulka opened The Gay Science to the only three aphorisms in the book devoted to New Year's Eve, the first titled "Sanctus Januarius" (Saint Januarius or Holy January).
“I happened to open it to the only three aphorisms in the whole book devoted to New Year’s Eve. The first was titled “Sanctus Januarius” (Saint Januarius or Holy January).”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:41673-41834 testimony first hand
151
Friedrich Nietzsche used the miracle of St. Januarius as a metaphor for his own experience of having his life transformed on a New Year's Eve, from dead and dry to profoundly alive.
“Nietzsche used this miracle as a metaphor for his own experience of having his life transformed, apparently on New Year’s Eve, from dead and dry to profoundly alive.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:42031-42190 observation first hand
152
D. W. Pasulka experienced randomly opening The Gay Science to aphorisms about New Year's Eve while it was New Year's Eve as a meaningful synchronicity.
“So here I was, on New Year’s Eve, and I had randomly opened the book to aphorisms about New Year’s Eve. This struck me as a meaningful event. Indeed, it was a synchronicity!”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:42359-42518 testimony first hand
153
The next aphorism D. W. Pasulka read in The Gay Science was about synchronicities, an instance of which she was currently experiencing.
“The next aphorism stopped me cold. It was about synchronicities, an instance of which I was currently experiencing.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:42691-42793 testimony first hand
154
D. W. Pasulka initially argued that UFOs were real only in a virtual sense, quoting Jean Baudrillard to support the point.
“In my foolish attempt to think through the ontological status of UFOs, I had argued that they were real only in a virtual sense. That was my conclusion, and I quoted the French scholar Jean Baudrillard as if that would somehow support my point.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:47480-47718 opinion first hand
155
D. W. Pasulka came to see that the research of Tyler D. and James Master suggested that the strange reality of the UFO phenomenon produced revolutionary and very real products.
“And as I came to see, Tyler’s and James’s research suggested that its strange reality produced revolutionary, and very real, products.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:47981-48106 opinion first hand
156
D. W. Pasulka came to see her task as documenting the formation of a new religious form rather than reaching ultimate conclusions about the ontological status of the UFO phenomenon's mystery.
“Eventually I knew that my task was to document the formation of a new religious form—not to reach ultimate conclusions about the ontological status of its mystery.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:48117-48272 opinion first hand
157
D. W. Pasulka joined the In the Field study group after telling Scott Browne she studied UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) phenomena and worked with Jacques Vallee.
“I told him that I studied UFO phenomena, and then, on the chance that he might respect Jacques Vallee’s work, I told him that I was a fan of Jacques and that I worked with him. That was credential enough; he immediately let me into the group.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:4836-5072 testimony first hand
158
D. W. Pasulka assumed that the work of Tyler D. and James Master would spawn rumours, described by Carl Jung as shoots or hints of information that others interpret and spin into stories and narratives that constitute the UFO narrative and, ultimately, religion.
“I assumed that their work would spawn rumors, as Jung calls them—shoots of information or just hints of information that others would then interpret and spin into stories and narratives that would then constitute the UFO narrative, story, and, ultimately, religion.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:48509-48765 opinion first hand
159
Scott Browne works to correct the great variety of virtual, distorted narratives about the UFO phenomenon, a task D. W. Pasulka considers noble but ultimately futile.
“My work with them further helped me see how those who are most involved with the phenomenon, and who are known, work furiously to try to correct the great variety of its virtual lives. This task is noble, but ultimately futile.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:48965-49185 opinion first hand
160
Scott Browne exposed a series of viral social-media images of supposed UFOs by enlarging and posting them side by side, showing they were actually different types of oddly shaped balloons.
“I was reminded of a recent incident on social media in which Scott had exposed a series of images of supposed UFOs. The original photographs had garnered a large following. The images were of a distant object that was circular and did not look like an airplane or anything conventionally seen in the sky. Scott took the images, blew them up, and posted them side by side, showing what they really were, which were different types of oddly shaped balloons.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:49858-50304 observation second hand
161
After Scott Browne's balloon exposé, the original posters of the images accepted the truth of the exposé but claimed the UFOs had disguised themselves as balloons rather than concluding they had misidentified balloons as UFOs.
“Instead of reaching the conclusion that they had misidentified balloons as UFOs, they said that the UFOs had disguised themselves as balloons. For them, the objects really were UFOs, but UFOs ingeniously disguised as simple balloons.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:50680-50906 observation first hand
162
Early in his research, Scott Browne came across a website challenging anyone to fake a believable UFO in a photo and explain in detail how it was done.
“Early in his research Scott came across a website challenging anyone to fake a believable UFO in a photo and explain in detail how it was done.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:51781-51919 testimony second hand
163
Scott Browne used a simple method involving ordinary household items to show how an "experiencer" was able to create realistic-looking UFO photographs.
“He used a simple method to show how an “experiencer” was able to create realistic-looking UFOs using ordinary household items (Figure 3.3).”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:51925-52061 testimony second hand
164
In the years following his fake UFO demonstration, Scott Browne's faked UFO photos reappeared in many guises online, always represented as depicting a real UFO, with some posters even identifying the (fake) locations where they were allegedly photographed.
“In the years following this educational attempt, Scott endured the reappearance of his faked UFO photos in many guises, always represented as a real UFO. Some posters went so far as to identify the places where it was allegedly photographed—all fake, of course.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:52065-52319 observation second hand
165
D. W. Pasulka concludes that the cultural narratives about the UFO phenomenon are formed through processes anticipated by Carl Jung's concept of amplificatory interpretation.
“The cultural narratives were formed through processes anticipated by Jung with his concept of amplificatory interpretation.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:53053-53161 opinion first hand
166
Seventy years after the 1950s Stanford University UFO group study, interpretations of the UFO phenomenon were being amplified exponentially through a new social medium that included bots and computer algorithms, not just people.
“Seventy years on, interpretations of the phenomenon were being amplified exponentially through a new social medium that included bots and computer algorithms, not just people.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:53177-53345 opinion first hand
167
D. W. Pasulka returned to her original, discarded claim that the reality of the UFO phenomenon is virtual, this time without implying that this meant it wasn't real, having given up the dualism of real and virtual.
“I found myself returning to my original, discarded claim, the one that had humiliated me within the group of researchers: the “reality” of the phenomenon is virtual. But this time, I wasn’t implying that this meant it wasn’t “real.” I had given up the dualism of real and virtual.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:53353-53625 opinion first hand
168
During a trip to New Mexico, James Master told D. W. Pasulka that he thought the artifact they had found in the desert was a "donation," most likely from nonhuman intelligence.
“During our trip to New Mexico, James told me that he thought the artifact we had found in the desert was a “donation,” most likely from nonhuman intelligence.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:53661-53806 testimony second hand
169
D. W. Pasulka observed while watching scenes with the monolith in 2001: A Space Odyssey that it resembled a larger version of her iPhone.
“As I watched scenes with the monolith, I realized that it resembled a larger version of my iPhone.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:54892-54983 opinion first hand
170
D. W. Pasulka finds Rob Ager's cinema-screen interpretation of the monolith in 2001: A Space Odyssey convincing but believes the monolith can be both the cinema screen and the alien, on many different levels, and that these two interpretations are not mutually exclusive.
“I am convinced by Ager’s analysis that the monolith is the cinema screen, but I believe that the monolith can be both the cinema screen and the alien. And it is both on many different levels. These two interpretations are not mutually exclusive.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:55820-56057 opinion first hand
171
D. W. Pasulka considers that, situated within media studies and media ecology, the digital infrastructure determines and provides an environment ripe for the now-pervasive UFO belief system.
“If one situates the phenomenon within the context of media studies and media ecology, it appears that the digital infrastructure determines and provides an environment ripe for this now-pervasive belief system.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:56425-56628 opinion first hand
172
D. W. Pasulka suggests that things commonly taken to be unreal in a materialist sense, such as movies and video games, have real physiological and cognitive effects on people.
“I suggest that it should cause us to rethink our own constructions of what we consider to be real, because things we commonly take to be unreal in a materialist sense, like movies and video games, have real physiological and cognitive effects.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:57659-57894 opinion first hand
173
D. W. Pasulka considers that media technologies may have as much impact on human bodies as biotechnologies, and perhaps even more.
“Media technologies have as much an impact on human bodies as biotechnologies, and perhaps even more.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:57903-57998 opinion first hand
174
D. W. Pasulka met with Scott Browne at a coffee shop in Northampton, Massachusetts.
“I am sitting across from Scott at a trendy coffee shop in Northampton, Massachusetts.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:5861-5932 observation first hand
175
Scott Browne demonstrated that a photograph claimed by a poster to be a real UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) was actually a Photoshopped object.
“The crime? Scott had demonstrated that a photograph that a poster had claimed was a real UFO was actually a Photoshopped object.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:593-714 observation first hand
176
D. W. Pasulka is a professor of religious studies.
“Because I am a professor of religious studies, many people naturally assume that I am religious.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:6374-6460 administrative first hand
177
D. W. Pasulka goes to a Catholic Church and started out as a born-again Christian at age eleven.
“I go to a Catholic Church, but I started out as a born-again Christian when I was eleven years old, to the surprise of my parents.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch3:6765-6887 testimony first hand
178
D. W. Pasulka identifies a media genre called specialist factual programming, which focuses on making factual or historical events "special" with the help of digital technologies.
“A clue to the ways in which audiences are being convinced to believe in UFOs lies in a newish media genre called specialist factual programming. Its focus is on making factual or historical events "special" with the help of digital technologies.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch4:15085-15321 opinion first hand
179
D. W. Pasulka calls the phenomenon whereby films about religion produce real physiological effects and mimic real memories the Total Recall Effect.
“I call this the Total Recall Effect.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch4:1758-1787 opinion first hand
180
D. W. Pasulka's research into urban legends found that people who watched movies about religious events often assumed they were seeing real events and believed the movie versions even when they were not historically accurate.
“My research into urban legends revealed that when people watched movies about religious events, they often assumed they were seeing real events, and they believed the movie versions even if they were not historically accurate.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch4:1974-2191 observation first hand
181
The website If Star Wars Was Real (ISWWR) features iconic photographs of well-known events, such as the assassination of John F. Kennedy and the explosion of the Hindenburg airship, with Star Wars characters like R2D2 and stormtroopers digitally inserted to look as if they were present.
“The website features iconic photographs of well-known events such as the assassination of John F. Kennedy and the explosion of the Hindenburg blimp. Characters from Star Wars, such as the robot R2D2 and stormtroopers, are expertly introduced into the photos to look as if they were present when these events happened.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch4:20333-20643 observation first hand
182
The creator of If Star Wars Was Real (ISWWR) solicits visitors to help locate the lost "real" photographs of Star Wars characters, framing the website's mission as tongue-in-cheek.
“The creator of ISWWR’s tongue-in-cheek mission solicits others to embark on a journey to reveal a hidden history.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch4:20810-20915 observation first hand
183
In 2002, D. W. Pasulka became aware that a group of people had claimed Star Wars as their religion on a census in the United Kingdom, as a joke.
“In 2002, I became aware that a group of people had claimed Star Wars as their religion on a census in the United Kingdom, as a joke.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch4:28270-28399 testimony first hand
184
D. W. Pasulka has encountered several reported alien-abduction-like experiences in her own work from people who had not been hypnotised.
“I have encountered several such experiences in my own work, reported by people who had not been hypnotized, but this tradition does need to be reassessed given what is now known about how media technologies influence how humans think and what they remember.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch4:40765-41013 testimony first hand
185
D. W. Pasulka identifies two techniques used to influence religious belief: the "based on true events" strategy and the "realist montage."
“Two such techniques are the "based on true events" strategy and something I term the "realist montage."”
American Cosmic 2019 ch4:4412-4506 opinion first hand
186
In many historical movies about religion, viewers perceive the events portrayed as historical accounts, even though the movies are not historically accurate.
“Historical movies about religion begin with a preexisting assumption that the events to be portrayed are real, as in movies about Jesus and his life. Jesus was a historical figure, and so viewers perceive movies about his life as historical accounts. Of course, they are not.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch4:4590-4861 opinion first hand
187
Jesus is usually portrayed in films as a white European, though he was not.
“Jesus is usually shown as a white European, yet he was not.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch4:4866-4921 opinion first hand
188
Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus's followers, is portrayed in films as a reformed prostitute, although there is no evidence that she was a prostitute.
“Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus's followers, is portrayed as a reformed prostitute, although there is no evidence that she was a prostitute, reformed or otherwise.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch4:4926-5076 opinion first hand
189
D. W. Pasulka defines the technique of realist montage as splicing different scenes together to create a narrative and establish a cognitive connection between them, placing fictional scenes side by side with nonfiction scenes to create a realistic effect.
“The second strategy, realist montage, splices different scenes together to create a narrative and establish a cognitive connection between them. Scenes from fiction are placed side by side with scenes from real life, or nonfiction, to create a realistic effect.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch4:5088-5342 opinion first hand
190
D. W. Pasulka's students are usually horrified when she reminds them that receiving communion entails "eating" Jesus.
“When I remind my students that receiving communion entails "eating" Jesus, they are usually horrified.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch5:11492-11584 observation first hand
191
D. W. Pasulka and two former students accompanied her to a meeting with a well-known experiencer who was a credible witness, being a businessman and a pilot, and who was well known in his community.
“Two former students accompanied me to a meeting with a well-known experiencer. In every way, the experiencer's story was a textbook case of a UFO sighting. He was a credible witness in that he was a businessman, and a pilot, and was well known in his community.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch5:12310-12561 testimony first hand
192
This experiencer saw a series of aerial phenomena one day while out fishing, and as a pilot, he knew they were not aircraft.
“One day when out fishing he saw a series of aerial phenomena. As a pilot, he knew they were not aircraft.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch5:12572-12668 testimony second hand
193
This experiencer described flying past the planet Mars on the astral plane and seeing Bigfoot.
“right up until he described flying past the planet Mars on the astral plane and seeing Bigfoot.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch5:12818-12905 testimony second hand
194
Jacques Vallee and D. W. Pasulka interviewed one of the people who saw and photographed the starlike object near Santa Cruz.
“Jacques and I interviewed one of the people who saw and photographed the object.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch5:1385-1458 testimony first hand
195
Apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal, Lourdes, France, and on Mount Tepeyac, Mexico became sites of hierophany, places where the sacred touches down upon Earth.
“these locations become sites of hierophany—places where the sacred touches down upon Earth”
American Cosmic 2019 ch5:16760-16845 opinion first hand
196
Jacques Vallee considers that the actual events of the Fatima apparitions are mostly unknown and have been changed through media coverage and over time, despite the story of Fatima being known by almost all Catholics and even to millions of non-Catholics.
“Although the story of Fatima is known by almost all Catholics, and even to millions of non-Catholics, Jacques notes that the actual events are mostly unknown and have been changed through media and over time.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch5:20363-20566 opinion second hand
197
D. W. Pasulka connects the Fatima children's instructions to pray and do penance with Tyler D.'s protocol of practices that he believes help him connect with his beings.
“The request that the children perform prayers and penances reminded me of Tyler’s protocol of practices that he believes help him connect with his beings.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch5:22156-22303 opinion first hand
198
D. W. Pasulka interviewed Donna Haraway during her office hours when applying to graduate programs and explained a plan to study the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje, a small town then in Yugoslavia, now in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“I arrived during her office hours, when she was officially available to talk to students, and explained my plan of study. I told her that I wanted to study the then-recent apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje, a small town in what was then Yugoslavia, now Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch5:29959-30234 testimony first hand
199
D. W. Pasulka initially planned to use Freudian analysis to understand the Medjugorje apparitions, but Donna Haraway questioned why she would use a Western European theory to analyse another culture's belief system.
“I explained that I thought I would use Freudian analysis to understand the phenomenon. After a silence that seemed to last forever, I quickly learned that this was a bad idea. Dr. Haraway asked why I would use a Western European theory to analyze another culture’s belief system.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch5:30247-30519 testimony first hand
200
Donna Haraway asked D. W. Pasulka to think about what was happening internally to the experiencers watching the apparitions, and then asked what happens to a person watching a movie.
“She asked me to think about what was happening internally to the experiencers who were watching the apparitions. I thought about that, and at the time, I had no idea. She then asked another question: What happens to you when you watch a movie?”
American Cosmic 2019 ch5:30614-30851 testimony first hand
201
D. W. Pasulka states that Donna Haraway's questions later helped her understand Jacques Vallee's research on the connections between contact events and technologies.
“these questions would later help me understand Jacques’s research on the connections between contact events and technologies.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch5:30922-31034 opinion first hand
202
Jacques Vallee's early work brought research on the proto-Internet together with remote viewing and extraordinary mind-body states, and clarified a new framework for understanding the technologically sacred.
“Jacques's early work, which brought research on the proto-Internet together with remote viewing and extraordinary mind–body states, clarified a new framework for understanding the technologically sacred.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch5:3173-3369 opinion first hand
203
Jacques Vallee's work highlighted that the UFO is associated with the sacred while also suggesting that it works like a technology.
“Jacques's work was unique in that he highlighted how the UFO was associated with the sacred, but he also suggested that it worked like technology.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch5:3699-3834 opinion first hand
204
Jacques Vallee, like David Stinnett, naturalises synchronicities.
“Like David Stinnett, Jacques naturalizes synchronicities.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch5:43965-44006 observation first hand
205
Jacques Vallee's early work and worldview presaged the "biotechnical imaginaries" promoted by synthetic biologists of Silicon Valley and their financial backers in the 1990s and beyond.
“Jacques’s early work and worldview presaged what would arrive in the 1990s and beyond, the “biotechnical imaginaries” promoted by synthetic biologists of Silicon Valley and their financial backers.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch5:44873-45062 opinion first hand
206
D. W. Pasulka knew that Tyler D. had a unique job that required him to be placed in certain locations, and that his presence was supposed to facilitate certain required events and processes, without his immediate bosses knowing how this functioned.
“I knew that Tyler had a unique job, and I learned that part of the job description was that he was to be placed in certain locations. Apparently, Tyler’s mere presence was supposed to facilitate certain required events and processes. His immediate bosses didn’t know how this functioned or happened, yet it was true.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch5:47147-47458 testimony second hand
207
D. W. Pasulka's student Jose, a Marine squad leader, was trained to learn about and use a "sixth sense," which he and his team used because it worked rather than because they believed in it.
“I was reminded of my student, José, whose training as a Marine squad leader included learning about and using a “sixth sense.” He and his team used it because it worked, not because they believed in it.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch5:47688-47887 testimony second hand
208
D. W. Pasulka researched and wrote about the history of the metaphysics of purgatory before she had ever considered UFOs.
“I researched and wrote about the history of the metaphysics of purgatory, before I had ever considered UFOs.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch5:4793-4856 administrative first hand
209
Jacques Vallee, Robbie Graham, and D. W. Pasulka drove back from Big Sur to San Francisco and stopped for lunch at a dockside restaurant in Santa Cruz.
“Driving back from Big Sur to San Francisco, Jacques Vallee, Robbie Graham, and I stopped for lunch at a dockside restaurant in Santa Cruz.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch5:608-741 observation first hand
210
D. W. Pasulka had spent the preceding week immersed in a small, intensive seminar with people who studied UFO phenomena and religious events associated with the paranormal.
“For the past week, we had been immersed in a small, intensive seminar with people who studied UFO phenomena and religious events associated with the paranormal.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch5:953-1102 testimony first hand
211
In May 2012, Dulce Hernandez reportedly saw a huge, blimp-sized UFO outside their house with what appeared to be stained glass windows similar to those of her church, all around the craft.
“The next event occurred in May of 2012, when Dulce reportedly saw a huge, blimp-sized UFO outside their house with “stained glass windows just like our church” all around the craft.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:11259-11434 testimony second hand
212
Dulce Hernandez claimed to have seen three eight-foot-tall, human-looking beings dressed in white monks' robes floating in front of her while visiting Mexico.
“When Dulce later visited Mexico, she claimed to have had a series of additional UFO sightings, some with her family, and saw three eight-foot-tall human-looking beings dressed in white monks’ robes floating in front of her.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:11441-11660 testimony second hand
213
Over four months following August 2012, Rey Hernandez read more than two hundred books on near-death experiences and consciousness studies, sometimes reading for eighteen hours per day, until December 21, 2012.
“Over the next four months he devoured more than two hundred such books, sometimes reading for eighteen hours per day. He was obsessed. He neglected his job and his family, and did not go outside or watch television or use the internet. Instead, until December 21, 2012, he spent all of his time reading.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:17885-18180 testimony second hand
214
D. W. Pasulka's colleagues, including atheist colleagues, entertained quantum theories as possible explanations for the extraordinary abilities certain saints were reported to have possessed.
“Even my atheist colleagues entertained quantum theories as possible explanations for the extraordinary abilities that certain saints were reported to have possessed.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:26604-26759 testimony first hand
215
A colleague of D. W. Pasulka who scoffed at her interest in UFO cultures was nonetheless fascinated by her work on saints such as Teresa of Avila who were reported to levitate or bilocate.
“A colleague who scoffed at my interest in UFO cultures was nonetheless fascinated by my work on the cases of saints like Teresa of Avila, who was reported to levitate, and other saints who were said to have been in two places at the same time—bilocation.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:26770-27013 testimony first hand
216
After a discussion with D. W. Pasulka, a colleague sent her a note theorising, off the record, about bilocation, linking it to his own studies of quantum physics.
“After one such discussion he sent me a note in which he theorized, off the record, about bilocation. He linked it to his own studies of quantum physics.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:27025-27169 opinion second hand
217
D. W. Pasulka's colleague theorised that the quantum mechanical concept of superposition, in which atoms and electrons can be in two places at once and remain connected in a way that allows them to influence one another, offers a way to understand bilocation, though he noted that larger objects have not been scientifically observed to be in two places at once and that in the cases of saints, bilocation is chiefly associated with acts of charity.
““The idea of saints being in two places at once is intriguing,” he wrote. “Physical laws seem to suggest the impossibility of being in two places at once, but the idea of ‘superposition,’ in quantum mechanics suggests that atoms and electrons can be in two places at once. Not only that, but these two things seem to remain connected to one another on some level in that they can influence one another. Of course, larger objects have not been observed (scientifically at least) to be in two places at once. And, I thought it interesting, that in the cases of saints, bilocation is chiefly associated with acts of charity.””
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:27180-27792 opinion second hand
218
D. W. Pasulka recalled that both Rey Hernandez and Tyler D. said the idea of humility, not ego, seemed important to their "beings."
“That jogged a memory I had of both Rey and Tyler saying that the idea of humility (not ego) seems to be important to their “beings.””
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:27823-27947 testimony second hand
219
D. W. Pasulka's colleague noted that scholastic philosopher Thomas Aquinas views acts of charity as divinely infused or inspired, which would place the saint both in the world and not.
““Scholastic philosopher Thomas Aquinas views acts of charity as divinely infused/inspired. This would place the saint both in the world and not.””
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:28015-28154 opinion second hand
220
The transition back to Earth was difficult for Edgar Mitchell, a feeling that Tyler D. also expressed after each of his launches of satellites and shuttles into space.
“The transition back to Earth was difficult for Edgar, a feeling that Tyler had expressed as well, after each of his launches of satellites and shuttles into space.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:30469-30626 testimony second hand
221
D. W. Pasulka met Edgar Mitchell on two occasions.
“I met Edgar on two occasions.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:31126-31145 testimony first hand
222
D. W. Pasulka invited Edgar Mitchell to meet a small group of researchers she had organised in California, and he attended the session via Skype.
“I knew that he believed in UFOs and extraterrestrials, so I asked him to meet the small group of researchers that I had organized in California. He would attend our session via Skype.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:31156-31333 testimony first hand
223
D. W. Pasulka discovered that, like other brilliant scientists she had interviewed, Edgar Mitchell had been involved with the Stanford Research Institute (SRI).
“Beforehand I found out everything I could about him and was surprised to learn that, just like the other brilliant scientists I had interviewed, he had been involved with the Stanford Research Institute (SRI).”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:31340-31544 testimony first hand
224
Edgar Mitchell conducted remote viewing experiments in space during the Apollo lunar mission.
“What was more surprising to me was that he had conducted remote viewing experiments in space during the Apollo lunar mission.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:31596-31713 testimony second hand
225
Edgar Mitchell's remote viewing experiments conducted in space were not sanctioned by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and were secret.
“These experiments were not sanctioned by NASA, and Edgar said that they were “secret.””
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:31722-31800 testimony second hand
226
D. W. Pasulka considers Edgar Mitchell, like Tyler D., part of a hidden and unofficial history of the American space program, including cosmonauts and rocket scientists such as Jack Parsons who believed in extraterrestrial or nonhuman beings that interacted with humans to help them achieve space travel.
“Edgar Mitchell, like Tyler D., was part of the hidden and unofficial history of the American space program that I had been discovering—the cosmonauts and rocket scientists, like Jack Parsons, who believed in extraterrestrial or nonhuman beings that interacted with humans with the goal of helping them achieve space travel and, in Edgar’s case, peace on Earth.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:31809-32163 opinion first hand
227
Edgar Mitchell believed that peace on Earth is a prerequisite for deep space travel.
“(He believes this is a prerequisite for deep space travel.)”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:32171-32221 opinion second hand
228
Edgar Mitchell believed that extraterrestrials or nonhuman intelligences intervened in space launches.
“Edgar believed that extraterrestrials or nonhuman intelligences intervened in space launches.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:32324-32408 opinion second hand
229
During a conference Skype session, D. W. Pasulka was the only attendee who asked Edgar Mitchell about extraterrestrials, even though that was the theme of the conference.
“When it came time to ask the questions, I was the only one who asked Edgar about extraterrestrials, even though that was the theme of the conference.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:32660-32798 testimony first hand
230
D. W. Pasulka considers the silencing mechanisms identified by Jacques Vallee to have been strongly internalised by her academic colleagues.
“Apparently, the silencing mechanisms Jacques had identified had been strongly internalized by my academic colleagues.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:32810-32916 opinion first hand
231
D. W. Pasulka asked Edgar Mitchell how he came to know that extraterrestrials had been interfering with satellites and rockets launched into space, and why they might be doing this; Edgar Mitchell said he was privileged, because of his connections, to know that extraterrestrials had dismantled several weapons the United States had launched into space because the weapons, particularly nuclear weapons, damaged both humans and their environment as well as the extraterrestrials' own environment.
““Edgar, I know that you believe in extraterrestrials, and I also know that you believe they have been interfering with our satellites and some of the rockets we launch into space. Can you describe how you came to this knowledge and if you might know why they would be doing this?” ... Because of his connections, Edgar said, he was privileged to know that extraterrestrials had dismantled several weapons that the United States had launched into space. He said that they did this because our weapons, particularly nuclear weapons, not only damaged humans and our environment but also somehow damaged their environment.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:33413-34015 opinion second hand
232
Edgar Mitchell said there were different species of aliens, some good and some bad, and that the ones who intervened in human space explorations by dismantling weapons were the good ones.
“He said that there were different species of aliens, and that there were good ones and bad ones. The ones who intervened in our space explorations were good ones.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:34028-34185 opinion second hand
233
Edgar Mitchell explained that some people on Earth are in contact with good extraterrestrials and have missions to accomplish, sometimes in secret.
“He explained that there are some people on Earth who are in contact with the good extraterrestrials, and that they have missions to accomplish, sometimes in secret.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:34334-34491 opinion second hand
234
Edgar Mitchell believed, like Tyler D. and James Master, that some extraterrestrials had left advanced technologies that certain scientists can unlock and use for the good of humans and the world.
“He believed (like Tyler and James) that some extraterrestrials had left advanced technologies that certain scientists can unlock and use for the good of humans and the world.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:34499-34667 opinion second hand
235
Edgar Mitchell said that humans have already benefited from extraterrestrial-derived technology.
“He said that we have already benefited from this technology.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:34674-34723 opinion second hand
236
D. W. Pasulka's interview with Edgar Mitchell during the conference Skype session lasted about an hour and a half.
“At the end of the interview, which lasted about an hour and a half, I came away with several observations.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:34736-34829 administrative first hand
237
D. W. Pasulka observed that Edgar Mitchell used language she had heard used by many of the "invisibles," with certain words and phrases repeated often enough to form a shared lexicon.
“Edgar used language that I had heard used by many of the invisibles. Certain words and phrases were repeated often enough to form somewhat of a lexicon, or a language group.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:34843-35010 observation first hand
238
Edgar Mitchell believed that networks of human-extraterrestrial contact already exist.
“Also, Edgar believed that networks of human–extraterrestrial contact already exist.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:35393-35470 opinion second hand
239
According to Edgar Mitchell, organisations like the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) were apparently not the preferred contact centres for extraterrestrial communication.
“Organizations like SETI, the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, were not the preferred contact centers, apparently.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:35477-35588 opinion second hand
240
Tyler D. also mentioned that organisations like the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) were not the preferred contact centres for extraterrestrial communication.
“Tyler had mentioned this too.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:35600-35625 opinion second hand
241
Edgar Mitchell thought humans, with their DNA and cellular receptors that worked like mini satellites, were the best receivers of contact information from nonhuman intelligences.
“He thought humans, with their DNA and cellular receptors that worked like mini satellites, were the best receivers of contact information from nonhuman intelligences.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:35630-35782 opinion second hand
242
Several scientist-believers, including Edgar Mitchell, hold that quantum physics provides a framework for understanding paranormal and supernatural events and abilities, including remote viewing, miracles, and contact with nonhuman intelligence.
“According to several of the scientist-believers, including Edgar, quantum physics provides a framework for understanding the paranormal and supernatural events and abilities, including remote viewing, miracles, and contact with nonhuman intelligence.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:35798-36035 opinion second hand
243
According to Edgar Mitchell's quantum hologram theory of physics and consciousness, information consists of patterns of energy, information-energy packets are given off by matter, and on some level all bodies of matter contain information.
“According to this theory, Edgar says, information consists of patterns of energy. Information–energy packets are given off by matter. On some level, all bodies of matter contain information.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:36238-36416 opinion second hand
244
Edgar Mitchell's theory of the quantum hologram bridges the gap between subjective and materialist approaches because it posits a reality made up of patterns of energy.
“This theory is able bridge this gap because it posits a reality that is made up of patterns of energy.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:36964-37059 opinion second hand
245
Edgar Mitchell's dyadic model of consciousness explains how remote viewing, telepathy, and extraordinary mystical experiences, such as his own experience of samadhi while travelling back from the moon, are possible.
“Edgar’s theory is elaborated in his idea of the “dyadic model” of consciousness. This model, according to Edgar, explains how remote viewing, telepathy, and even extraordinary mystical experiences, such as his experience of Samadhi while traveling back from the moon, are possible:”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:37067-37339 opinion second hand
246
According to Edgar Mitchell's dyadic model, mystical insights are information that requires interpretation, not absolute and literal realities that can stand alone, and cultural interpretation flaws arise from interpreting metaphor literally, though a valid information function is nevertheless taking place.
“The first is that mystical insights are just information that requires interpretation, not absolute and literal realities, that can stand alone. The flaw in cultural interpretation of mystical interpretation is precisely that of interpreting metaphor literally. However, a valid information function is taking place nevertheless.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:37457-37773 opinion second hand
247
In the experience of nirvikalpa samadhi, described similarly across different traditions, the sense of Self merges with the cosmos and reality is experienced as unity of Self with All-That-Is, accompanied by intense ecstasy, a sense of eternity, and a complete loss of fear.
“Consider the experience of the nirvikalpa samadhi which is described similarly in different traditions. In this experience the sense of Self merges with the cosmos and reality is experienced as unity of Self with All-That-Is. The experience is accompanied by intense ecstasy, a sense of eternity and a complete loss of fear.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:37787-38106 opinion second hand
248
Edgar Mitchell's dyadic model interprets the samadhi experience as the body and brain experiencing its "ground state," or resonance with the zero point field, in which awareness merges totally into the primordial field.
“The dyadic model interpretation is that the body/brain is experiencing its “ground state” or resonance with the zero point field. The awareness is the undifferentiated awareness of the primordial field, as the sense of Self is merged totally into the field.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:38301-38552 opinion second hand
249
Edgar Mitchell's dyadic model holds that the internal feeling sense accesses the state of wellbeing of the organism, and that subconscious brain functions integrate information from external senses and non-local sources to provide a feeling of alarm or security about the state of the environment, as well as reward or punishment for behaviour influencing survival.
“The internal feeling sense accesses the state of wellbeing of the organism. In addition, the subconscious brain functions integrate information from external senses and from non-local sources to provide a “feeling” of alarm or security as to the state of the environment. The feeling sense also provides reward or punishment for behavior influencing survival: gratification of thirst, hunger, sex drive, and discomfort or pain for dangerous behaviors, etc.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:38793-39245 opinion second hand
250
According to Edgar Mitchell, the feeling of ecstasy that accompanies the mystical experience indicates that the experience should be repeated, integrating an evolutionary component into his dyadic model.
“According to Edgar, the feeling of ecstasy indicates that this experience should be repeated. In this way, he integrates an evolutionary component into his model.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:39251-39407 opinion second hand
251
Edgar Mitchell asserted that although non-local effects have been observed and studied for over a century by parapsychologists, the results have been ignored, disparaged, or misrepresented by mainstream science in the absence of a compelling theory, and that non-locality in quantum physics now provides a physical basis for these effects.
“Although non-local effects have been observed and studied for over a century by parapsychologists, in the absence of a compelling theory the results have been ignored or disparaged and certainly misrepresented by mainstream science. Non-locality in quantum physics now provides a physical basis for these effects.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:39521-39826 opinion second hand
252
Edgar Mitchell said that a large number of investigators over several decades have demonstrated that brain waves can be synchronised and information transferred between individuals.
“A large number of investigators for several decades have demonstrated that brain waves can be synchronized and information transferred between ind”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:39835-39970 opinion second hand
253
D. W. Pasulka places Edgar Mitchell within a lineage of esoteric cosmonauts and rocket scientists that includes Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, Jack Parsons, and Tyler D.
“I place Edgar within a lineage of esoteric cosmonauts and rocket scientists, such as Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, John (Jack) Parsons, Tyler D., and many others”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:41101-41250 opinion first hand
254
Edgar Mitchell died several months after speaking with D. W. Pasulka and her colleagues, on the eve of the anniversary of his moon landing.
“Several months after my colleagues and I spoke with Edgar, he passed away on the eve of the anniversary of his landing on the moon.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:41484-41610 administrative first hand
255
D. W. Pasulka knows the North Carolina state director of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) and several field investigators, and considers her associations with them friendly and professional.
“I know the North Carolina state director of MUFON and several field investigators. My associations with them have been friendly and professional.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:42775-42907 opinion first hand
256
D. W. Pasulka considers the research methods of Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) associates she knows to be completely rational and objective, erring on the side of skepticism.
“Their research methods, on my observation, are completely rational and objective, and err on the side of skepticism.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:42921-43026 opinion first hand
257
Experiencers interviewed by D. W. Pasulka report that their experiences with the larger Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) organisation have not gone well.
“Experiencers I’ve interviewed say their experiences with the larger organization have not gone well.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:43117-43212 hearsay second hand
258
Several experiencers reported to D. W. Pasulka that their reports had been made public by the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) in a completely altered form.
“Several have reported that their experiences have been made public in a completely altered form.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:43218-43309 hearsay second hand
259
D. W. Pasulka observes that some researchers who use Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) data are not the original on-site field researchers and so cannot vet the original reports.
“The problem is that a lot of researchers who use it are not the original on-site field researchers. If they were, they could have vetted the original reports.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:47854-48004 opinion first hand
260
In March 2012, Rey and Dulce Hernandez's dog Niña, a Jack Russell terrier who had been a member of their family for sixteen years, became paralysed overnight.
“Rey and Dulce’s beloved Niña, a Jack Russell terrier who had been a member of their family for sixteen years, had become paralyzed the night before.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:4826-4967 testimony second hand
261
D. W. Pasulka has observed researchers who indiscriminately lump all reports in the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) database under the category of UFO sightings, creating a false impression of the prevalence of truly unknown phenomena.
“Several researchers I have met have blindly taken all of the reports and lumped them under the category of “UFO” sightings. This gives the impression that there are more sightings of truly unknown phenomena than is actually the case.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:48795-49023 opinion first hand
262
A veterinarian told Rey Hernandez that his dog Niña had most probably suffered a cerebral haemorrhage.
“Rey had contacted a veterinarian friend, who said that Niña had most probably suffered a cerebral hemorrhage.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch6:4975-5073 hearsay second hand
263
Tyler D. had credentials as an adjunct instructor at several research universities and letters from the deans of those universities, and a letter from D. W. Pasulka vouching that he was an analyst necessary for the project, but none of this initially secured his admission to the Vatican Secret Archives.
“Tyler had credentials as an adjunct instructor at several research universities and letters from the deans of those universities. He had a letter from me vouching that he was an analyst necessary for the project. None of this seemed to matter”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:10028-10264 observation first hand
264
Nicolaus Copernicus's books are now prominently displayed in the Vatican Observatory archive.
“Ironically, his books are now prominently displayed in the archive.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:1038-1097 observation first hand
265
D. W. Pasulka observed that Tyler D. was known to members of the Vatican once he became visible to Vatican Secret Archives staff.
“Tyler became, at that point, visible, at least to those at the Vatican Secret Archives. And his visibility provided access. Apparently, Tyler was known to members of the Vatican.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:11250-11420 opinion first hand
266
Father McDonnell was known by seemingly everyone at the Vatican and had access to its every nook and cranny.
“It turned out that Father McDonnell was a special person, known by seemingly everyone at the Vatican, and had access to its every nook and cranny.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:12052-12191 observation first hand
267
Father McDonnell blessed the research project of D. W. Pasulka and Tyler D. in the courtyard of the Vatican.
“Tyler told me later how, in the courtyard of the Vatican, with the sun streaming down on them, Father McDonnell had blessed our project.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:12573-12701 testimony second hand
268
Because of Tyler D.'s unexpected access at the Vatican, D. W. Pasulka was able to look at documents and speak to key postulators, functionaries who present a case for an individual's canonisation or beatification.
“Because of my association with him, I was able to look at documents and speak to key postulators (functionaries who present a case for an individual’s canonization or beatification).”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:12842-13009 observation first hand
269
D. W. Pasulka took Tyler D. to Rome, Italy as the culmination of their research collaboration, almost two years after Tyler D. had taken her and James Master, blindfolded, to a UFO site in New Mexico.
“Almost two years had passed since Tyler had taken me and James, blindfolded, to ground zero of the UFO myth in New Mexico. Now, as the culmination of our work together, I took Tyler to Rome”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:1290-1475 observation first hand
270
Young Vatican archivists spoke to Tyler D. rather than D. W. Pasulka, referring to her as "the lady doctor".
“This point was further driven home by my interactions with the cadre of young archivists who manned the desks. Intimidating in their black robes, they spoke to Tyler instead of me, referring to me as “the lady doctor.””
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:13078-13288 observation first hand
271
Father McDonnell invited D. W. Pasulka and Tyler D. to attend a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica.
“as he invited us to attend a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:13841-13890 observation first hand
272
D. W. Pasulka observed that the ceremonial Swiss Guards do not appear to provide real security and seem present mainly for the benefit of tourists who photograph them.
“They don’t appear to provide any type of security. Their presence seems to be more for the benefit of the constant lines of tourists who circle the Vatican and stop for photographs.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:14130-14299 opinion first hand
273
The Vatican's real security guards wore camouflage uniforms and carried automatic-looking weapons.
“The real guards wore camouflage uniforms and carried very big guns, which looked like automatic weapons.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:14312-14408 observation first hand
274
On the second day of D. W. Pasulka's visit to Rome, Italy, she attended Mass in St. Peter's Basilica with Father McDonnell, Tyler D., and six nuns.
“The second day of my visit to Rome I was in St. Peter’s Basilica hearing Mass with Father McDonnell, Tyler, and six nuns.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:14886-15002 observation first hand
275
During the trip to Rome, Italy, Tyler D. experienced a profound religious conversion in front of D. W. Pasulka.
“Here he experienced a profound religious conversion, right before my eyes.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:1519-1588 observation first hand
276
D. W. Pasulka conducted six years of research culminating in the events described in American Cosmic.
“This was perhaps the most miraculous and strange event of my eventful six years of research.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:1594-1677 administrative first hand
277
D. W. Pasulka and Tyler D. discussed Pope John XXIII's preserved body on the day after Tyler D.'s mother's funeral, two weeks after they returned from Rome, Italy.
“Tyler and I talked about this on the day after his mother’s funeral, two weeks after we had returned from Rome.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:16301-16407 observation first hand
278
After Mass, Father McDonnell invited D. W. Pasulka and Tyler D. to follow him on rounds at a local hospital where he celebrated Mass in the hospital chapel and administered last rites and anointing of the sick to dying patients.
“After Mass, Father McDonnell invited us to follow him on rounds at the local hospital where he was celebrating another Mass, at a small hospital chapel, and administering last rites to dying patients, as well as anointing the sick.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:16503-16729 observation first hand
279
D. W. Pasulka argues that belief in extraterrestrials and UFOs constitutes a new form of religion.
“I have made the case that belief in extraterrestrials and UFOs constitutes a new form of religion.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:1688-1777 opinion first hand
280
D. W. Pasulka visited the Vatican Secret Archives and the Vatican Observatory in Castel Gandolfo, Italy while researching American Cosmic.
“This book began with a journey, and it ends with a journey, a plane trip to Rome where I visited the Vatican Secret Archives and the Vatican Observatory in Castel Gandolfo”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:173-336 observation first hand
281
Father McDonnell anointed a dying woman's forehead with blessed oil at the hospital while her daughter sat beside the bed holding her mother's hand.
“Father McDonnell and I entered the room of a woman who seemed near death. Her daughter sat beside the bed and held her mother’s hand. Father McDonnell’s eyes shone with mercy and love as he tenderly crossed the mother’s forehead with blessed oil, and he asked God to bless her.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:17605-17878 observation first hand
282
After visiting the dying young man with Father McDonnell, Tyler D. emerged visibly emotionally affected, unable to look at D. W. Pasulka, with his head bowed.
“Fifteen minutes went by, and then Tyler and Father McDonnell came out. Tyler could not look at me. His head was bowed.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:18520-18632 observation first hand
283
Tyler D. and Diana Pasulka toured the church of Santa Sabina in Rome, where a wedding party was preparing for its ceremony.
“Tyler and I made our way around the church as the guide described the history of the location and its significance to Italians. We happened to arrive just as a wedding party was making its preparations.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:20074-20263 observation first hand
284
The wooden door of the church of Santa Sabina in Rome bears one of the earliest depictions of the crucifixion of Christ, showing him standing calmly with outstretched arms between two thieves whose arms are also outstretched.
“On the door was carved one of the earliest depictions of the crucifixion of Christ. He is pictured as if standing calmly with outstretched arms, between the two thieves, whose arms are also outstretched.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:20672-20862 observation first hand
285
Beneath the ascended Christ in the carving on the door of the church of Santa Sabina in Rome is a mysterious object resembling a globe or disc, whose meaning scholars are unsure of.
“Beneath him is a mysterious object that looks like a globe or disc—scholars are not sure what it represents.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:21251-21348 observation first hand
286
Some websites associate the mysterious globe-or-disc object depicted beneath the ascended Christ on the door of the church of Santa Sabina in Rome with a UFO.
“Later, as I researched the mystery object, I found several websites that associated it with a UFO.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:21360-21454 observation second hand
287
Another panel on the door of the church of Santa Sabina in Rome depicts the prophet Elijah ascending into the heavens on a cloud.
“Another panel represents the prophet Elijah ascending into the heavens on a cloud”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:21459-21535 observation first hand
288
Another panel on the door of the church of Santa Sabina in Rome depicts the prophet Habakkuk either ascending to heaven or being lifted up by an angel.
“in yet another panel the prophet Habakkuk is either ascending to heaven or being lifted up by an angel.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:21546-21643 observation first hand
289
During the tour at the church of Santa Sabina in Rome, Tyler D. was found kneeling and praying in a small side chapel, crying, in an altered frame of mind.
“There was Tyler on his knees, praying... yet Tyler was crying.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:21962-21992 observation first hand
290
After the tour of the church of Santa Sabina, Tyler D. told Diana Pasulka that he wanted to go back to help people directly and felt like a complete failure.
““Diana, I have to go back and help people directly. I feel like I am a complete failure.””
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:22714-22793 testimony first hand
291
Tyler D. asked Diana Pasulka to introduce him to priests or nuns who could help him serve those in need, saying he did not care if he ever worked at his day job again.
““Will you introduce me to priests or nuns who can help me serve like this? I want to help anyone who is hungry or in need of help. I don’t care if I ever work at my day job again.””
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:22916-23088 testimony first hand
292
Diana Pasulka considered Tyler D. to be undergoing a spiritual conversion whose effects on his life would differ from what he expected.
“I knew that Tyler was having a spiritual conversion, and that its effects in his life would be completely different from what he expected.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:23116-23245 opinion first hand
293
Tyler D. had met Father McDonnell at the Vatican, which led to Tyler D. and Diana Pasulka being invited to attend several important meetings there.
“I understood that I was lucky that Tyler had met Father McDonnell and that we were then invited to attend several important meetings, but this was only because of Tyler’s access.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:23533-23704 observation first hand
294
Guy Consolmagno is the director of the Vatican Observatory and an astronomer who specialises in meteorites and asteroids.
“Brother Guy Consolmagno, director of the observatory, is a well-known astronomer who specializes in meteorites and asteroids.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:23894-24009 administrative first hand
295
Guy Consolmagno is an American Jesuit with degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of Arizona.
“He is an American Jesuit with degrees from MIT and the University of Arizona.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:24020-24089 administrative first hand
296
Guy Consolmagno gave Diana Pasulka and Tyler D. a tour of the Vatican Observatory premises at Castel Gandolfo and presented Diana Pasulka with the keys to the observatory archive.
“He gave us a brief tour of the premises, carefully showing us which doors we could enter and which were off-limits. After the tour, Brother Guy presented me with the keys to their archive.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:24178-24358 observation first hand
297
The Vatican Observatory archive holds works by Johannes Kepler and other scientists of Western cosmology.
“we were going to be looking at the works of Johannes Kepler and other great scientists of Western cosmology.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:24511-24609 observation first hand
298
The Vatican Observatory archive at Castel Gandolfo displays old technologies of space exploration, including early telescopes.
“On exhibit are old technologies of space exploration: the first telescopes developed to scour the galaxy.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:24867-24965 observation first hand
299
Guy Consolmagno lined the walls of the Vatican Observatory archive with old photographs of nuns who had worked at the observatory and helped chart star patterns.
“Brother Guy had lined the walls with old photographs of nuns who had worked at the observatory and helped to chart star patterns.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:24973-25093 observation first hand
300
D. W. Pasulka considers perceived contact with a nonhuman intelligent, divine being to be simultaneously imagined and real, with genuine social effects and implications, without making an ontological claim that extraterrestrials are real in the same sense as physical objects.
“I am not making an ontological claim, that extraterrestrials are real in the sense that couches are real, although they could be. I am arguing that perceived contact has very real effects with powerful social implications.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:2548-2757 opinion first hand
301
Diana Pasulka told the Jesuit brothers and priests at the Vatican Observatory that she and Tyler D. were looking for instances of aerial phenomena in the archive, without using the word 'UFO'.
““We are looking for instances of aerial phenomena.””
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:25999-26038 testimony first hand
302
The Jesuit scientists at the Vatican Observatory are not actively searching for UFOs and are not engaged in ufology.
“To set the record straight, the Jesuits at the Vatican Observatory are not actively searching for UFOs, nor are they engaged in anything related to ufology.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:26241-26389 observation first hand
303
Diana Pasulka's Baptist scientist colleague chose to become a Catholic after hearing Guy Consolmagno speak about his vocation.
“after hearing Brother Guy speak about his vocation, my Baptist scientist colleague chose to become a Catholic.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:26692-26793 observation first hand
304
Guy Consolmagno invited Diana Pasulka and Tyler D. to a talk he gave to young scientists from the European Space Agency at the Vatican Observatory in Castel Gandolfo.
“Brother Guy told us that he was heading up to the actual observatory where the telescopes were housed and asked if we wanted to come to a talk he was giving to a group of young scientists from the European Space Agency.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:27018-27230 observation first hand
305
D. W. Pasulka regards Sister Maria of Agreda as a meta-experiencer.
“While in Rome I became reacquainted with a historical figure whom I came to view as a meta-experiencer.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:2772-2863 opinion first hand
306
Diana Pasulka was introduced to the young European Space Agency scientists at Castel Gandolfo as a professor from the University of North Carolina.
“I was introduced as a professor from the University of North Carolina”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:28109-28170 administrative first hand
307
When Tyler D. was introduced to the young European Space Agency scientists at Castel Gandolfo along with his affiliations, the crowd burst into cheers and applause.
“when Tyler was introduced, along with his affiliations, the youthful crowd burst into cheers and applause.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:28180-28277 observation first hand
308
Guy Consolmagno addressed conspiracy theories about the Vatican Observatory by contrasting popular-culture depictions of Castel Gandolfo as a hub of mystery with the mundane reality of priests and brothers discussing meteorite composition.
“He addressed the conspiracy theories about what he and the other scientists do at the observatory by showing images from popular culture... and then the reality, which turned out to be pictures of the priests and brothers sitting together discussing the composition of meteorites.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:28529-28842 observation first hand
309
Diana Pasulka observed that Sister Maria of Agreda's records described her claim of bilocating to New Mexico, the same region that Tyler D. had taken Diana Pasulka and James Master to visit a supposed UFO crash site.
“I was struck by the thought that Sister Maria of Agreda, whose records I had seen, had claimed to have bilocated to New Mexico, the part of the world where Tyler had taken James and me to visit the supposed UFO crash site.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:31322-31539 observation first hand
310
Diana Pasulka was blindfolded during the trip to the supposed UFO crash site in New Mexico and did not know exactly where she was.
““I was blindfolded on the trip to New Mexico,” I said, “so I don’t know exactly where I was.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:31628-31715 testimony first hand
311
In the early 1600s, as Spain was exploring and colonising western North America, the young Sister Maria of Agreda claimed that with the help of angels she flew through space and over the ocean to New Mexico.
“In the early 1600s, as Spain was exploring and colonizing western North America, the youthful Maria claimed that with the help of angels she flew through space and over the ocean to New Mexico.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:32125-32311 hearsay second hand
312
Sister Maria of Agreda's sister nuns said they witnessed her during her alleged bilocations rising a few feet off the floor and being surrounded by brilliant light.
“Her sister nuns said they witnessed Maria during her alleged bilocations and that she rose a few feet off the floor and was surrounded by brilliant light.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:32319-32467 hearsay second hand
313
Franciscan missionaries in New Mexico reportedly encountered members of the Jumanos tribe who presented themselves as eager to be baptised, allegedly saying they had been visited by a 'lady in blue' who spoke to them about the Catholic faith.
“Allegedly, the Jumanos said that they had been visited by a “lady in blue” who spoke to them about the Catholic faith.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:32703-32815 hearsay second hand
314
Alonso de Benavides was the first commissioner of the Inquisition in New Mexico.
“This story traveled back to Spain with Alonso de Benavides, the first commissioner of the Inquisition in New Mexico.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:32824-32933 administrative first hand
315
Alonso de Benavides met with Sister Maria of Agreda and questioned her closely about what she saw and with whom she spoke during her alleged bilocations to New Mexico.
“He met with Maria and questioned her closely about what she saw and with whom she spoke.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:32941-33023 observation first hand
316
Alonso de Benavides was impressed by Sister Maria of Agreda's account, which included details he thought she could not have known, and made a report to King Philip IV of Spain.
“Benavides was impressed by her account, which included details of things of which he thought she could not have been aware, and he made a report to the king of Spain, Philip IV.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:33030-33204 observation first hand
317
Alonso de Benavides and others used Sister Maria of Agreda's claimed bilocation journeys to justify continued funding and efforts to expand the Spanish empire.
“He and others used them to justify their continued funding and efforts to expand the Spanish empire.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:33273-33366 opinion first hand
318
Sister Maria of Agreda's early works on cosmography, in which she wrote that she saw the earth from space as a spinning sphere, were burned and only a few copies remain.
“Sitting in the archive, it was hard not to remember Sister Maria’s early work on cosmography and her recognition of some of the “heretical” scientific discoveries of her own era. Those works, her first, were burned, and only a few copies remain. She wrote that she saw the earth from space, and it was a spinning sphere.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:33713-34026 observation first hand
319
Sister Maria of Agreda is best known as the author of Mystical City of God, a biography of the Virgin Mary.
“She is best known as the author of the *Mystical City of God*, a biography of the Virgin Mary”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:34034-34123 administrative first hand
320
As a woman living in the seventeenth century who dared to write, Sister Maria of Agreda inspired suspicion and had to answer to the Inquisition.
“As a woman living in the seventeenth century who dared to write, she inspired suspicion and had to answer to the Inquisition.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:37370-37483 observation first hand
321
Sister Maria of Agreda later claimed that she was pressured to answer to Alonso de Benavides in ways he desired, and some of her writings were burned.
“She later claimed that she was pressured to answer to Benavides in ways that he desired. Some of her writings were burned.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:37496-37611 hearsay second hand
322
Sister Maria of Agreda later recanted her recantations and rewrote many of her former works from memory.
“Later, she recanted her recantations and rewrote many of her former works from memory.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:37619-37698 observation first hand
323
Brenda Denzler observed that ufology and the study of anomalous aerial phenomena are overwhelmingly white and male and over 90 percent Anglo-American.
“ufology and the study of anomalous aerial phenomena, as observed by my colleague Brenda Denzler, are “overwhelmingly white and male” and over 90 percent Anglo-American.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:38244-38403 opinion second hand
324
The historians of ufology, with few exceptions, ignore the history of African American and indigenous traditions of the UFO, which predate the standard assumption that the UFO mythos began in 1947.
“The historians of ufology, with few exceptions, ignore the history of African American and indigenous traditions of the UFO, which predate the standard assumption that the UFO mythos was born in the year 1947.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:38549-38753 opinion first hand
325
The founders of the Nation of Islam were articulating a UFO narrative by the 1930s.
“The founders of the Nation of Islam were articulating a UFO narrative by the 1930s”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:38759-38836 observation first hand
326
According to Elijah Muhammad, the Nation of Islam's early leader Wallace Fard Muhammad had spoken of UFOs in the 1920s.
“according to Elijah Muhammad, the religion’s early leader, Wallace Fard Muhammad, had spoken of UFOs in the 1920s.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:38847-38955 hearsay second hand
327
Tyler D.'s mother was admitted to hospice care after he received a text message informing him.
“He received a text message. He told me, as he slumped in his chair, that his mother had just been admitted to hospice.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:39995-40105 observation first hand
328
D. W. Pasulka and Tyler D. attended a Mass celebrated by the brothers and priests at the Vatican Observatory.
“I now suggested to Tyler that we go, and he readily agreed.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:40240-40292 observation first hand
329
Tyler D. asked a priest at the Vatican Observatory to offer the Mass for his mother and to bless rosaries he had bought in the Vatican.
“I asked the priest if he would offer the Mass for Tyler's mother. Tyler was touched. He asked the priest to bless some rosaries that he had bought in the Vatican.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:40330-40484 observation first hand
330
Tyler D. gave his mother a blessed rosary during his last conversation with her after returning home from Rome.
“During the last conversation he had with his mother after he returned home, he gave her a blessed rosary.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:40494-40592 testimony second hand
331
Tyler D.'s Baptist siblings agreed to allow their mother to be buried with the blessed rosary he had given her.
“he asked his Baptist siblings if they would allow their mother to be buried with the rosary... they readily agreed.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:40694-40779 testimony second hand
332
Tyler D.'s mother, who had been uncommunicative for months, roused to consciousness for several hours with perfect memory and conversed with her family while the Mass was being celebrated in the Vatican Observatory chapel, according to Tyler D.'s sister who reported this to him.
“his mother, who had been uncommunicative for months, roused to consciousness for several hours with perfect memory and conversed with her family. This was reported to Tyler by his sister.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:41026-41206 hearsay third hand
333
Tyler D. felt a kinship to Sister Maria of Agreda and vowed to devote his life to a new ministry after his trip to Rome.
“He now felt a kinship to Sister Maria of Agreda, and he vowed to devote his life to a new ministry.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:41745-41835 observation first hand
334
Rey Hernandez was a confirmed atheist whose experiences transformed him into an agnostic.
“Like Rey Hernandez, a confirmed atheist whose experiences transformed him into an agnostic”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:42022-42104 administrative
335
Tyler D. was invited to return to Rome months after returning to the United States, to make his first communion as a Catholic at a Mass with Pope Francis at the church of Santa Sabina.
“Months after we returned to the United States, Tyler was invited to return to Rome. He would make his first communion as a Catholic at a small Mass with Pope Francis, at none other than the church of Santa Sabina”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:42191-42397 observation first hand
336
Tyler D.'s first communion Mass with Pope Francis at Santa Sabina took place on St. Valentine's Day, which that year also fell on Ash Wednesday.
“The Mass took place on St. Valentine's Day, which, in a rare occurrence, was also Ash Wednesday this year.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:42476-42577 observation first hand
337
Tyler D. converted to Catholicism at the end of his trip described in American Cosmic.
“I never anticipated that this story would end like this, with Tyler's conversion to Catholicism.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:42583-42667 observation first hand
338
Jacques Vallee said to D. W. Pasulka, "Credo quia absurdum, eh, Diana?"
“Credo quia absurdum, eh, Diana? —Jacques Vallee”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:42802-42844 testimony first hand
339
Research scientists analysed the artifact that D. W. Pasulka found with James Master and Tyler D. and concluded that it was so anomalous as to be incomprehensible.
“It was analyzed by research scientists, who concluded that it was so anomalous as to be incomprehensible.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:43039-43127 testimony second hand
340
According to the research scientists who analysed the anomalous artifact D. W. Pasulka found with James Master and Tyler D., it could not have been generated or created on Earth.
“According to these scientists, I was told, it could not have been generated or created on Earth.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:43145-43235 hearsay third hand
341
One of the scientists who analysed the artifact D. W. Pasulka found with James Master and Tyler D. said it could not have been made in this universe.
“One scientist explained it to me in this way: “It could not have been made in this universe.””
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:43242-43325 testimony second hand
342
John Mack, during his research with experiencers, approached Thomas Kuhn, who argued that scientific revolutions came about through attention to anomalies.
“John Mack, during his own research with experiencers, had approached Thomas Kuhn, who had convincingly argued that scientific revolutions came about through attention to anomalies.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:43998-44168 administrative
343
An organisation funded D. W. Pasulka's research trip to Rome, Italy to analyse the canonisation trial records of St. Joseph of Cupertino and Sister Maria of Agreda.
“The organization that funded my research trip to Rome had asked me to analyze the canonization trial records of St. Joseph of Cupertino and Sister Maria of Agreda.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:4403-4559 administrative first hand
344
Thomas Kuhn advised John Mack to focus on raw data and to persist in collecting it, even if it did not fit into any preconceived or conventional frameworks of knowledge.
“Kuhn's advice for Mack was to focus on the raw data and to persist in collecting it, even if it did not fit into any preconceived or conventional frameworks of knowledge.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:44179-44339 testimony third hand
345
The December 2017 New York Times article on Luis Elizondo and the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP) set off a firestorm of "disclosure" or "unofficial disclosure" that prompted public demands under the Freedom of Information Act for the US government to provide any debris or alloys it might be keeping.
“This article set off a firestorm of “disclosure” or “unofficial disclosure,” which prompted public demands under the Freedom of Information Act that the US government provide any debris or “alloys” they might be keeping.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:44747-44959 observation first hand
346
The Shroud of Turin bears what appears to be the image of a man who had been tortured and crucified.
“The Shroud of Turin, which bears what appears to be the image of a man who had been tortured and crucified, is an example of a sacred artifact.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:45349-45483 observation first hand
347
The Shroud of Turin is considered by millions of Christians to be the burial cloth of Jesus.
“The shroud is considered by millions of Christians to be the burial cloth of Jesus.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:45493-45570 observation first hand
348
The Catholic Church, which owns the Shroud of Turin, has not pronounced it authentic.
“although the owner of the shroud, the Catholic Church itself, has not pronounced it authentic”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:45644-45728 observation first hand
349
Whitley Strieber told Tyler D. and D. W. Pasulka that the artifacts they studied also studied them.
““Remember what Whitley [Strieber] told us? That the artifacts we studied also studied us?””
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:48194-48279 testimony second hand
350
D. W. Pasulka considers herself an outsider to the community of scientists who are also believers, unable to solve the mystery of the artifact she studied.
“At the end of my research, I am an outsider to the community of scientists who are also believers. I can't solve the mystery of the artifact”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:48769-48901 opinion first hand
351
When D. W. Pasulka suggested to the scientists studying the artifact that it might be technology belonging to another country, they looked at her incredulously, regarding that line of speculation as among the least helpful of possible explanations.
“When I suggested this, the scientists looked at me incredulously. Apparently, they saw this line of speculation as among the least helpful of those that could lead to possible answers.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:49263-49439 observation first hand
352
D. W. Pasulka observed media professionals using mechanisms of belief to push UFO stories that were at times very far removed from the events that inspired them, yet believed by millions.
“I saw media professionals use the mechanisms of belief to push a story that was at times very far removed from the event that inspired it, and yet it was believed by millions.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:49589-49755 opinion first hand
353
Tyler D. proposed to accompany D. W. Pasulka to Rome, Italy, with the plan that she would translate documents and he would offer analysis based on his work in aeronautics.
“Tyler proposed to come with me to Rome. The plan he suggested was that I would translate the documents and he would offer his analysis based on his work in aeronautics.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:5974-6130 administrative first hand
354
A number of individuals from aeronautic agencies contacted D. W. Pasulka about her historical work on levitating saints.
“A number of individuals from aeronautic agencies had contacted me about my historical work on levitating saints.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:6198-6303 observation first hand
355
The Vatican Observatory archive at Castel Gandolfo houses works of Johannes Kepler and Nicolaus Copernicus.
“I was given the keys to their archive, which housed, among many other things, works of Johannes Kepler and Nicolaus Copernicus”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:634-750 observation first hand
356
D. W. Pasulka considers that at least some members of the space industry believe in the possibility of levitation.
“Apparently, at least some members of the space industry believed in the possibility of levitation.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:6441-6528 opinion first hand
357
D. W. Pasulka considers Sister Maria of Agreda's alleged voyages to New Mexico to have helped Spanish missionaries obtain funding to convert indigenous Americans, seeding cultural imagination in support of the missionaries' work.
“Maria allegedly bilocated to New Mexico, and the stories of her experiences helped Spanish missionaries obtain funding to convert indigenous Americans.... Maria’s case is similar to Tyler’s in that she seeded the cultural imagination with supernatural support for the missionaries’ work.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:6658-6982 opinion first hand
358
Tyler D.'s religious conversion happened dramatically and rapidly during his visit to the Vatican and the observatory at Castel Gandolfo, Italy.
“Tyler’s experience was an accelerated version that happened dramatically during his visit to the Vatican and the observatory at Castel Gandolfo.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:8250-8385 observation first hand
359
Gaining entrance to the Vatican Secret Archives is not easy; D. W. Pasulka had started the admission process a year before her trip.
“Gaining entrance to the archives is not easy, and I had started the process a year before my trip.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:8530-8623 administrative first hand
360
D. W. Pasulka holds a PhD and is a tenured professor in religious studies, specialising in Catholic culture.
“I have a PhD and am a tenured professor in religious studies, specializing in Catholic culture.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:9151-9238 administrative first hand
361
Tyler D. arrived in Rome, Italy a day before D. W. Pasulka.
“Tyler arrived in Rome a day before me.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:9457-9492 administrative first hand
362
Tyler D. was initially denied entry to the Vatican Secret Archives, and was held at the first of three security stations while his hired translator explained that D. W. Pasulka had authorised him to help.
“He was at the archives, but he was not allowed to enter. He had hired a translator who was dickering with the security personnel and explaining that I had given him permission and needed his help. ... There were three stations of security through which one had to pass before obtaining a badge of entry. He was being held at the first station.”
American Cosmic 2019 ch7:9557-9981 observation second hand
363
D. W. Pasulka began researching scientist-believers who believe in and study the UFO phenomenon in 2012, and has since come to know millionaires, billionaires, and successful innovative scientists who hold this belief.
“They are typical of the many scientist-believers I have met since I began my research in 2012. Since that time, I have come to know millionaires and billionaires and successful innovative scientists who believe in and study the phenomenon.”
American Cosmic 2019 char:12557-12785 testimony first hand
364
D. W. Pasulka considers that belief in UFOs is not associated with those on the fringe, contrary to the common perception implied by Stephen Hawking's remarks.
“The lie has been that belief in UFOs is associated with those on the “fringe”—“cranks and weirdos,” in Hawking’s words. The truth is just the opposite.”
American Cosmic 2019 char:13055-13197 opinion first hand
365
D. W. Pasulka began her study of UFO cultures in January 2012.
“I began my study of UFO cultures in January 2012.”
American Cosmic 2019 char:15773-15817 administrative first hand
366
D. W. Pasulka conducted an ethnography of a variety of UFO believers and researched UFOs and ufology.
“I proceeded in the conventional way in that I conducted an ethnography of a variety of believers and delved into research into UFOs and ufology, a branch of research devoted to the topic.”
American Cosmic 2019 char:15823-16004 administrative first hand
367
D. W. Pasulka's research into aerial phenomena began after she finished a book on the Catholic doctrine of purgatory (Catholic doctrine).
“I began my own research into aerial phenomena after I finished a book on the Catholic doctrine of purgatory.”
American Cosmic 2019 char:22043-22141 administrative first hand
368
D. W. Pasulka's book on purgatory was a multiyear study examining primary sources of European Catholic history, found mostly in obscure archives, of anecdotes about souls from purgatory.
“The project was a multiyear study in which I examined many primary sources of European Catholic history, found mostly in obscure archives, of anecdotes about souls from purgatory.”
American Cosmic 2019 char:22152-22321 administrative first hand
369
The primary sources D. W. Pasulka examined for her book on purgatory dated from 1300 to 1880.
“These sources dated from 1300 to 1880.”
American Cosmic 2019 char:22332-22365 administrative first hand
370
In the purgatory archive sources, D. W. Pasulka found reports of orbs of light, flames that penetrated walls, luminous beings, forms of conscious light, spinning suns, and disclike aerial objects.
“In them I found a lot of other unexpected things, such as reports of orbs of light, flames that penetrated walls, luminous beings, forms of conscious light, spinning suns, and disclike aerial objects.”
American Cosmic 2019 char:22371-22563 observation first hand
371
D. W. Pasulka left the anomalous reports of orbs, flames, and disclike objects out of her book on purgatory because she was unsure how to theorise them.
“I wasn't sure how to theorize these reports, and I left them out of my book.”
American Cosmic 2019 char:22572-22643 administrative first hand
372
A friend of D. W. Pasulka compared her descriptions of the purgatory-archive phenomena to a Steven Spielberg film, citing shining aerial phenomena, luminous beings, and transformed lives.
“"These reports remind me of a Steven Spielberg film. You know, lots of shining aerial phenomena, luminous beings, transformed lives," he said.”
American Cosmic 2019 char:22744-22880 testimony second hand
373
D. W. Pasulka attended a local conference about UFOs and extraterrestrials on the suggestion of a friend, after he found an advertisement for it.
“The next day, he found an ad for a local conference about UFOs and extraterrestrials taking place the following weekend. He suggested that I attend.”
American Cosmic 2019 char:22925-23066 administrative first hand
374
D. W. Pasulka observed that speakers at the UFO conference described shining aerial discs, flames, and orbs, and how these experiences transformed their lives.
“They described some of the same things I had observed in my research in Catholic history—shining aerial discs, flames, and orbs—and especially how these experiences transformed their lives.”
American Cosmic 2019 char:23205-23388 observation first hand
375
Experiencers at the UFO conference interpreted their sightings as spiritual or religious events, causing them to fracture their traditional religious belief systems or, more commonly, reinterpret their traditions through a biblical-UFO framework.
“The experiencers interpreted these as spiritual or religious events. They either fractured their traditional religious belief systems or, more commonly, caused them to reinterpret their traditions through a biblical–UFO framework in which they viewed biblical and historical religious events as UFO events.”
American Cosmic 2019 char:23395-23694 observation first hand
376
D. W. Pasulka observed that the practice of viewing anomalous ancient aerial phenomena through a UFO framework is common, especially among youth such as her students.
“This way of looking at anomalous ancient aerial phenomena is not restricted to experiencers but is common, especially among youth such as my students.”
American Cosmic 2019 char:23981-24122 observation first hand
377
D. W. Pasulka's engagement with the scientists who study UFO experiencers and the phenomenon (meta-experiencers) confounded the academic categories she had been using in her work.
“The challenge began when I met the meta-experiencers, the scientists who studied the experiencers and the phenomenon. It confounded the academic categories I had been using thus far in my work.”
American Cosmic 2019 char:24558-24746 administrative first hand
378
Several of the most well-regarded scientists in the world believe in nonhuman intelligence that originated in space.
“Several of the most well-regarded scientists in the world believe in nonhuman intelligence that originated in space.”
American Cosmic 2019 char:25620-25730 observation first hand
379
Rumours of the findings of scientists studying UFO phenomena inspired hoaxes, disinformation, media, and documentaries based on bogus information that purported to inform the public about UFO events and created UFO narratives and mythologies.
“Rumors of the findings of these scientists inspired hoaxes, disinformation, media, and documentaries based on bogus information that purported to inform the public about UFO events and created UFO narratives and mythologies.”
American Cosmic 2019 char:25792-26004 observation first hand
380
Jacques Vallee personally believes in the reality of the UFO phenomenon, while understanding that the formation of mass belief in it does not depend on its objective reality.
“Significantly, Vallee himself believes in the reality of the UFO phenomenon but understands that the formation of mass belief in it does not depend on its objective reality.”
American Cosmic 2019 char:27436-27601 opinion second hand
381
In 2012, D. W. Pasulka's research focus shifted to modern reports of UFO sightings and events.
“It is an understatement to say that in 2012, as soon as my research focus shifted, so did my life. When I began to focus on modern reports of UFO sightings and events, I was immediately immersed in a world where the religious impulse was alive and the formation of a new, unique form of religion was in process.”
American Cosmic 2019 char:27638-27941 administrative first hand
382
D. W. Pasulka observed television producers, experiencers and their entourages of government-affiliated agents, and household-name actors involved in the emergence of UFO belief.
“The cast of characters who showed up, unannounced and unexpected, surprised me. They included television producers, experiencers and their entourages of agents affiliated with the government, and even actors whose names are known in every household.”
American Cosmic 2019 char:28145-28384 observation first hand
383
One of the scientists D. W. Pasulka worked with, whose methodology is primarily 'nuts and bolts' scientific analysis of what he believes are artifacts or physical parts of potential crafts, asked her why UFO events are often linked to religion.
“One of the scientists with whom I worked, whose methodology is primarily "nuts and bolts" in that he uses scientific analysis on what he believes to be artifacts or physical parts of potential "crafts," asked me why UFO events are often linked to religion.”
American Cosmic 2019 char:29213-29460 testimony second hand
384
Jacques Vallee argues that the UFO phenomenon has been around for thousands of years, though the modern cultural framework for understanding it began around 1947.
“Vallee argues, however, that the phenomenon has been around for thousands of years, perhaps more. He is right. Yet the ubiquitous cultural framework for understanding them as the modern UFO did indeed begin around 1947.”
American Cosmic 2019 char:33908-34122 opinion second hand
385
Jacques Vallee is the father of the modern study of UFOs.
“Jacques, father of the modern study of UFOs and an early visionary of the internet”
American Cosmic 2019 char:687-761 opinion first hand
386
Jacques Vallee is an early visionary of the internet.
“an early visionary of the internet”
American Cosmic 2019 char:735-761 opinion first hand
387
D. W. Pasulka observed a breach in the code of silence at her conference when an attendee stood up and interrupted a speaker, accusing him of having no authority to report his findings from an apparently secret research study.
“During one of the sessions an attendee stood up and interrupted a speaker... the attendee lost his polite demeanor and loudly proclaimed that the professor who was speaking had no authority to report his findings.”
American Cosmic 2019 para 64 observation first hand
388
Diana Walsh Pasulka characterises revelation as new information coming in.
“like Pasolka says, revelation is like, it's a revelation. It's like new information is coming in.”
The UFO Cover-Up Leads to One Secret Society — and One Final Event 2026-07-14 02:05:42.4-02:05:48.8 hearsay second hand
389
Jacques Vallee's journals recount a conversation with Diana Walsh Pasulka in which Tim Taylor told Pasulka she should not be talking about human-alien hybridisation.
“You have the same thing with Vallee's journals. He recounts a conversation with Diana Pasolka, where Pasolka is basically explaining that they I don't know, Tim Taylor, who is it, is saying like, you shouldn't be talking about the hybrid thing.”
The UFO Cover-Up Leads to One Secret Society — and One Final Event 2026-07-14 02:08:58.1-02:09:11.7 hearsay second hand
390
Diana Walsh Pasulka has spoken about access to the Vatican archives and went there with Tim Taylor, hinting that the Holy See knows much more than is apparent.
“And then you have Pasulka talking about access to the Vatican archives and, you know, her going with Tim Taylor and hinting that they know much more than meets the eye.”
Jesse Michels, UAPGerb & Chris Ramsay - Flying Saucer Diner 2026-07-17 01:05:33.0-01:05:42.3 hearsay second hand
391
Chris Ramsay, referring to Diana Walsh Pasulka's research, says the word rendered as "cloud" in translations of religious texts was originally a word meaning object, and was replaced with "cloud".
“like with Diana, like a lot of the research and the words they use and stuff that was potentially changed in the translation to sort of mask a lot of this stuff, like the word cloud, apparently. was actually like object or something. And so they replaced it with cloud.”
Jesse Michels, UAPGerb & Chris Ramsay - Flying Saucer Diner 2026-07-17 01:05:53.9-01:06:10.7 hearsay second hand

Diana Walsh Pasulka

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